The Patriots are one of the most valuable sports franchises in the world

Patriots.com photo

When you're a successful business, your value can only go up. That's exactly what's happened to the Patriots over the course of their 17-year run.

Once looked at as an NFL laughing stock, the Patriots are now one of the five most valuable sports entities in the world, according to Forbes. New England is reportedly worth $3.7 billion, tied for second place with the New York Yankees. Only the Dallas Cowboys are ahead of both of them, valued at $4.8 billion.

The average NFL franchise is valued at $2.52 billion, which is more than double what they were worth 10 years ago. This continues to prove that the NFL is truly America's pastime.

With five Super Bowls under their belt and an owner, head coach and quarterback who are regarded as the greatest of all time, it's no wonder New England holds that type of standing. As long as Robert Kraft owns the team, that value should stay near the top.

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