Sports execs almost universally feel that the majority of NFL owners make a profit, while many feel that the majority of MLS and NBA owners lose money, according to results of a Turnkey Sports Poll taken in March. Ninety-eight percent of execs said the majority of NFL owners make a profit, compared to 46% for MLB, which ranked second among the five major U.S. pro team leagues. On the other end of the spectrum, 65% of execs felt the majority of MLS owners lose money, compared to 56% for NBA owners and 49% for NHL owners. Execs were also asked in which league would buying a franchise yield the greatest return, assuming it was sold in 10 years. Sixty-three percent of execs said the NFL, compared to 16% for MLS (Turnkey Sports Poll).
| Do the majority of franchise owners in each of the following leagues…. |
| LEAGUE | MAKE A PROFIT | BREAK EVEN | LOSE MONEY | NOT SURE |
| MLB | 46% | 36% | 17% | 1% |
| MLS | 10% | 22% | 65% | 3% |
| NBA | 19% | 25% | 56% | 0% |
| NFL | 98% | 1% | 0% | 1% |
| NHL | 14% | 36% | 49% | 1% |
| | | | | |
| In which of the following leagues would buying a franchise
yield the greatest return, assuming it was sold in 10 years? |
| LEAGUE | % |
| NFL | 63% |
| MLS | 16% |
| MLB | 8% |
| NBA | 7% |
| NHL | 5% |
| Not sure/No response | 1% |
| | |
