Top most valuable clubs

Manchester United has become the first sports team in the world with a $3 billion valuation.



Shares of the English soccer team, which were offered to the public last August at $14, did poorly at first but have soared the past few days. Last seen at just under $17, Manchester United’s stock has outperformed the S&P 500 since its IPO and made the controlling Glazer family and legendary investor George Soros, who bought a big stake in the team shortly after it went public, wealthier. Scroll down to view more:



1. Manchester United





Value: $2.23 billion

Owner: Glazer family



The Red Devils are the world's most valuable sports team and have a long tradition of great play on the pitch. Manchester United has captured a record 19 English Premiership titles and claims to have 659 million fans worldwide. Next up for the Red Devils: an IPO on the New York Stock Exchange to reduce debt from Glazer's purchase of the club in 2005.



2. Real Madrid





Value: $1.88 billion

Owner: Club members



Real Madrid had the highest revenues of any soccer team during the 2010-11 season and was the most profitable team in all of sports during 2011, with operating income of $214 million. Club members have owned and operated the team since it was founded in 1902. Real won its record 32nd La Liga title in 2012, led by its star winger Cristiano Ronaldo.



3. Barcelona





Value: $1.31 billion

Owner: Club members



Barcelona has won two UEFA Champions League titles over the past four seasons, riding the golden feet of Lionel Messi (above). Barca's home stadium, Camp Nou, has the biggest seating capacity of top European teams at 99,400. The team's broadcasting revenue of $266 million was tops among all soccer teams in 2011.



4. Arsenal





Value: $1.29 billion

Owner: Stan Kroenke



Arsenal has won the second-most FA Cups (10), just one fewer than Manchester United. Match day revenue of $150 million in 2011 was fourth highest among soccer teams.The Gunners' commercial revenue was $74 million in 2011, but got a boost last season due to new sponsorship agreements with brewer Carlsberg and Betsson, the gaming company.



5. Bayern Munich





Value: $1.23 billion

Owner: Club members



Bayern Munich reached the UEFA Champions League final in May in their home stadium, Allienz Arena, but lost to Chelsea on penalty kicks. Bayern is the most valuable club in the Bundesliga and has the fourth-highest revenues among all soccer teams. Its sponsorship deal with Adidas is worth an average of $36 million a year through 2019.



6. AC Milan





Value: $989 million

Owner: Silvio Berlusconi



AC Milan won the Serie A title for the 18th time during the 2010-11 season, tying them with Inter Milan for the second-most Italian championships, but finished second behind Juventus in 2012. The Rossoneri are the most valuable Italian team, but lavish spending on players caused the team's operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) to decline to $29 million in 2011 from $41 million in 2009. Still, with Audi, Sky Italia, Taci Oil and Emirates as sponsors, AC Milan generated commercial revenue of $133 million during 2011. Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has owned the club since 1986.



7. Chelsea





Value: $761 million

Owner: Roman Abramovich



Chelsea won the UEFA Champions League final in May, despite finishing sixth in the Premier League--the worst finish by any Champions League winner. The club upset Barcelona in the semifinals before defeating Bayern Munich on penalty kicks. Chelsea received $73.1 million in prize money for its victory.

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