The Dallas Cowboys have risen in value by 36 percent over last year and are the most valuable sports franchise in North America at $3.2 billion. The Cowboys have risen in value by $900 million.

Despite last having won a championship in 1996, the Cowboys are second in value only to Real Madrid ($3.4 billion) among all global sports franchises.

The Cowboys also have the NFL's highest revenue ($560 million) and operating income ($246 million), and this season become the first NFL team to have partnerships with a worldwide luxury watch and cruise line.

The New England Patriots ($2.6 billion), the Washington Redskins ($2.4 billion), the New York Giants ($2.1 billion) and the Houston Texans ($1.85 billion) round out the top five. The entire NFC East is ranked among the seven most valuable teams, with the Philadelphia Eagles coming in seventh ($1.75 billion).