Forbes: Jacksonville Jaguars value drops 16%

Every year Forbes comes out with it's franchise value and rankings. The Jacksonville Jaguars actually dropped in value by 16% and are ranked dead last in the NFL in fanchise value.

The Jaguars are currently valued at $725 million, which is dead last according to Forbes. The Jaguars also are 30th in revenue with an estimated $220 million, flanked only by the Detroit Lions and Oakland Raiders, but rank 19th in operating income with $25.9 million.

None of this is really all that shocking, but a curious situation to me is when you look at operating income. The first few teams (i.e. Dallas) are obvious. After that however, is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This is curious because the Bucs currently have one of the lowest payrolls in the NFL, their owners are swimming in debt with ownership of English Premier League team Manchester United, and are about to enter a season of dreadful ticket sales.

In reality, there is no way to know exactly how much each team makes or spends because their books are closed, but this gives a good look into the situation, especially entering CBA negotiations.

Note:

Revenues and operating income are for 2009 season. Value of team based on current stadium deal (unless new stadium is pending) without deduction for debt (other than stadium debt). Debt/Value includes stadium debt. Revenue is net of stadium revenues used for debt payments. Operating Income is earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.

Forbes did a break down of the Jaguars financial situation. Check the article for the full report with all the financials, but here's a quick run-down:

The Jaguars operating costs rose significantly last season as part of a deal with the city to help it cover Jacksonville Municipal Stadium's debt and renovation expenses. The higher rent expenses paid by the Jaguars could not have come at a worse time as the team is also suffering from declining ticket sales and was forced to black out all but one game last season. The Jaguars lost 17,500 season ticket holders after posting a 5-11 record in 2008. The team also gets no revenue from non-football events held at the stadium that was remade in 1995 for $145 million. A bit of good news came in July when the team inked a five-year, $16.6 million stadium naming rights deal with Jacksonville-based EverBank.

Forbes also ranked the Top 10 GM's in the NFL, of which Gene Smith did not make an appearance.