The Atlanta Falcons have long been one of the most prominent franchises in the National Football League (NFL). From their humble beginnings in 1965 to their recent success on and off the field, the Falcons have solidified their place as a powerhouse in the league. One aspect that has seen a remarkable rise is the team’s franchise value, cementing their status as a valuable asset in the world of professional sports.

MORE: VIEW THE FUL LIST OF NFL TEAM VALUATIONS

Atlanta Falcons Franchise Ownership

The Atlanta Falcons were founded in 1965 when Rankin M. Smith Sr. was awarded an NFL franchise by then commissioner, Pete Rozelle. Smith paid $8.5 million at the time, he would have paid about $84.6 million if he were to purchase at the same price today.

The “Falcons” name reportedly comes from a citywide contest in which school teacher Julia Elliot from Griffin, Georgia won. Over the years, the franchise has seen various changes in ownership, with each owner leaving their mark on the team’s legacy.

In 2002, Arthur Blank, the co-founder of The Home Depot, purchased the Atlanta Falcons for $545 million from Taylor Smith, the son of the founder owner. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise that would be filled with memorable highs and lows.

Arthur Blank: Current Atlanta Falcons Owner

Arthur Blank’s business acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in the Atlanta Falcons’ rise to prominence. After co-founding The Home Depot in 1978, Blank became a billionaire and retired from the company in 2001. His acquisition of the Falcons was a testament to his passion for sports and his desire to make a lasting impact on the Atlanta community.

Under Blank’s leadership, the Falcons have experienced a renaissance, both on and off the field. His commitment to building a winning team and creating a world-class fan experience has paid dividends, with the franchise’s value skyrocketing in recent years.

How Much Are the Atlanta Falcons Worth?

According to the latest valuations, the Atlanta Falcons are worth an estimated $4.7 billion, making them one of the most valuable franchises in the NFL.

Several factors have contributed to the Falcons’ remarkable rise in value. The team’s on-field performance, including appearances in Super Bowl XXXIII in 1998 and Super Bowl LI in 2016, has undoubtedly played a significant role. Additionally, the construction of the state-of-the-art Mercedes-Benz Stadium has further enhanced the franchise’s appeal and revenue streams.

Mercedes-Benz Stadium: A Bird’s Nest Fit for Champions

Mercedes-Benz Stadium opened in 2017 with a construction cost of $1.6 billion as a replacement to the Georgia Dome.

Stadium features include a retractable roof and a 63,800 square-foot video board with quite a feature environmentally conscious features.

Beyond its impressive features, Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted numerous high-profile events, including the Super Bowl LIII in 2019 and the NCAA Men’s Final Four in 2020, further solidifying Atlanta’s reputation as a premier sports and entertainment destination.

Looking Ahead for the Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons franchise value of $4.7 billion is solid considering the lack of championship wins and major scandals in past years. Blank has done a good job at moving the franchise forward while considering the changing landscape around sustainability, viewer engagement, and socioeconomic climate of Atlanta.

As the Falcons continue to soar to new heights, their value is expected to rise along with the revenue of the NFL as a whole. With a dedicated fan base, a state-of-the-art stadium, and a visionary owner at the helm, the future looks bright for the Atlanta Falcons.