Eagles are Worth $2.5 Billion

PHILADELPHIA (973espn.com) - You want a return on your investment?

Try purchasing an NFL team.

Jeffrey Lurie did exactly that back in 1994 when he bought the Eagles for $194 million and according to Forbes Magazine, his asset is now worth a cool $2.5 billion.

Even if you adjust for inflation, Lurie's original investment would be worth just over $320 million today so let's just say he's made out pretty well over the years.

Forbes estimated the Eagles as the 22nd most valuable sports franchise in the world, although that's a downtick from last year when they were rated at No. 17 when the team was valued at $2.4 billion.

In the NFL, the Eagles are at No. 10 but again last in the big market NFC East where the Cowboys worth is estimated at $4.2 billion, tops in all of sport. The New York Giants are worth $3.2 billion (eighth overall) and the Washington Redskins are at $2.95 billion (11th overall).

Of the 50 most valuable franchises in the world on Forbes' list, 29 are NFL teams with only Buffalo, Cincinnati and Detroit missing the cut.

-John McMullen covers the Eagles and the NFL for 973espn.com. You can reach him at jmcmullen44@gmail.com or on Twitter @JFMcMullen