The title of world's richest sports franchise has leapfrogged from the New York Yankees baseball diamond in the city's Bronx district to Trafford Park, Manchester, UK.
Based on exchanges rates as at June 30 2003, soccer giant Manchester United outsold the Yankees with 2002-3 season revenues of $289 million compared with the latter's $280m.
Man U, as it is affectionately known to its fans the world over, is not only the world's richest soccer club -- arguably it is also the most marketing-savvy. And exploitative.
There are increasing complaints about the way the club milks its fans, especially those of school-age. A child-size replica Man U shirt costs from £25 ($45.54; €37.39) and there are two versions tempting eager young fans to spend twice as much: one for home games, another for away matches.
Data sourced from: The Wall Street Journal Online; additional content by WARC staff
