The annual Forbes calculations on baseball teams' values were released this week, and the magazine estimated the Giants dropped 5 percent in value from last year. Down to $471 million, ranked ninth in the majors.
Why? The loss of Barry Bonds after the 2007 season helped lower attendance, and personal-seat licenses took a significant drop, Forbes said. On the other hand, the magazine reported the Giants made $30 million last year with their new cable package.
The magazine ranked the Giants ninth in revenues ($196 million) and 12th in operating income, which the magazine defines as earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization.
The 5 percent drop in value was the biggest among the top 10 most valuable franchises in the big leagues.
The Giants, as is the custom of other teams, said they wouldn't comment on the report.
