Amazing what happens when people see that there's a new stadium on the horizon.
According to the latest valuation of NFL teams by Forbes Magazine, the Minnesota Vikings' franchise has made a significant jump since this time last year. The team is now worth. . .
NINE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-FIVE MILLION DOLLARS!
(raises pinky to mouth)
The next largest jump came from the San Francisco 49ers. The Niners, not coincidentally, also secured a new stadium this off-season. Their team value jumped by 19% to $1.175 billion.
The Vikings' value will likely continue to go up, according to Forbes.
The Vikings are getting a new $975 million stadium that will be financed with $477 million from the team and the NFL, $348 million from the state and $150 million from the city of Minneapolis. The team, currently near the bottom of the NFL in stadium revenue, could generate an additional $40 million a year from the new venue. The value of the team rose a league-high 22% thanks to the new stadium deal.
To be completely honest, I don't care a heck of a lot about all that. What I do care about is that the Vikings are going to be remaining in Minnesota for the next 30+ years, and that they're going to be competitive. That's what's really important.
You can see a full list of Forbes' NFL team valuations on their website.