Dallas Cowboys most valuable NFL team at US$2.1B

Dallas Cowboys running back Lance Dunbar (25) is tackled by Miami Dolphins cornerback Vince Agnew (43) and defensive tackle Kheeston Randall (97) during the second half of a preseason NFL football game, Wednesday, Aug. 29, 2012, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Sharon Ellman)

NEW YORK -- The Dallas Cowboys have become the first American sports franchise worth more than $2 billion, according to Forbes magazine.

The NFL's most valuable team for the sixth consecutive year, the Cowboys saw their overall worth increase 14 per cent to $2.1 billion. That's about $1 billion higher than the average NFL team value, $1.11 billion, up 7 per cent.

New TV contracts, the collective bargaining agreement signed last year and lasting for a decade, and higher premium seating revenue contributed to the increases.

With new stadiums in the works for the Vikings and 49ers, their values skyrocketed. Minnesota had a 22 per cent increase to $975 million, while San Francisco moved up 19 per cent to $1.175 billion.

New England was second to Dallas in overall value at $1.635 billion.