Fresh off the fifth world championship in franchise history, the New England Patriots are now tied with the New York Yankees as the second most valuable franchise in professional sports.

According to Forbes, the reigning Super Bowl champion Pats are now worth $3.7 billion, a nine percent increase since their historic 34-28 overtime comeback against the Falcons in Super Bowl 51.

Per the report: “The Patriots merchandise revenue increased by over 50 percent and the legacy value of the team’s winning brand will be felt with long-terms sponsorships for years.”

That’s the good news.

Owner Robert Kraft can’t be too thrilled however, to learn that his team still trails the Dallas Cowboys – valued at a whopping $4.8 billion – for the top slot. Per Forbes, “America’s Team” generates a robust $150 million annually from sponsors and have gone up in value 14 percent since last year alone.

The rest of the top five is rounded out by soccer giants Manchester United, FC Barcelona – home of Lionel Messi – and Real Madrid, the home of Cristiano Ronaldo.

Flanking the Pats as the most valuable NFL organizations are the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers. The Buffalo Bills – valued at a $1.6 billion clip – are the least valuable franchise in the league for the third straight year.

– – – – – – –
Follow Jordan Schultz on Twitter @Schultz_Report

More from Yahoo Sports:
• NFL Winners and Losers: Jay Cutler is smiling now
• Michael Bennett salutes Tommie Smith and John Carlos after sack
• Chiefs’ star could be first player fined under new NFL rules
• Rams and Chargers combined attendance totals are fewer than USC game