The valuation of NFL teams like the Rams and Chargers is determined by a variety of factors, and these factors can explain why the Rams are currently valued higher than the Chargers.
1. Stadium Value:
The Rams moved into a new stadium, SoFi Stadium, in 2020. This stadium is reported to have cost around $5 billion and is one of the most advanced in the world. The Rams share this stadium with the Chargers, but the Rams are the primary tenant and this likely increases their value significantly.
2. Popularity & Fan Base:
The Rams have a much larger fan base than the Chargers in Los Angeles. The Rams played in Los Angeles from 1946 to 1994 before returning in 2016, providing longstanding roots and a wider fan base. On the other hand, the Chargers only moved to Los Angeles from San Diego in 2017, and have spent much less time building their brand and fan base in the city. Fan base and popularity correlate directly with the team’s merchandise sales and TV ratings which affects the team’s revenue and hence its value.
3. Revenue Streams:
The Rams are believed to have more revenue streams compared to the Chargers. They rank better in terms of revenue from tickets, TV rights, sponsorships, etc. This would also drive up their value compared to the Chargers.
4. Team Performance:
The Rams have also been more successful on the field in recent years, which translates into higher revenues and ultimately a greater valuation. They’ve appeared in