How much were Broncos when they first came out?
The Denver Broncos joined the American Football League (AFL) in 1960 for a franchise fee commonly cited around $25,000.
That figure reflected the era’s relatively affordable entry costs for new pro football teams and contrasts sharply with the billions that modern teams can command. This article traces that entry price, places it in its historical context, and looks at how the franchise’s value has evolved over time.
Historical context: entering the AFL
When the AFL launched in 1960, it added eight teams as a competing league to the NFL. The expansion model and fee structure were designed to foster rapid growth and market presence in cities that the NFL had not yet tapped. The Denver Broncos were part of that inaugural wave, joining a league still finding its footing and identity in the early television era.
Estimated franchise price
Records from the period indicate that AFL expansion fees were modest by today’s standards. The Denver Broncos’ entry is commonly cited as around $25,000, though exact figures can vary in historical accounts depending on the terms of ownership groups and negotiated arrangements. What is clear is that the cost to enter professional football then was measured in tens of thousands rather than millions.
From humble entry to modern valuation
Over the ensuing decades, the Broncos grew into a stable and high-profile NFL franchise, benefiting from league expansion, rising media rights, and a large fan base. The franchise’s value climbed dramatically as the sports business evolved and market dynamics shifted. A watershed moment came in 2022, when the Walton family purchased the Broncos for $4.65 billion, a transaction that underscored the extraordinary rise in NFL franchise valuations.
2022 sale and modern value
The $4.65 billion sale price to the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group highlighted the modern market for premier sports franchises and positioned the Broncos among the most valuable teams in North American sports. Today, the Broncos are widely regarded as one of the NFL’s marquee properties, supported by a strong market, sustained fan engagement, and the league’s robust media ecosystem.
Summary
The Broncos entered professional football in 1960 with a franchise price commonly cited around $25,000—an amount that seems modest by today’s standards. From that modest beginning, the franchise has grown into a globally recognizable asset valued in the billions, culminating in a landmark 2022 purchase that underscored the enduring growth and profitability of top-tier NFL franchises.
How much did the original Bronco cost?
The Bronco, when it debuted for 1966, was a rather rudimentary first draft of Frey's vision. The $2,400 base "roadster" model didn't even have doors or a roof.
How much is a 1979 Ford Bronco worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $30,900 for a 1979 Ford Bronco Custom in good condition with average spec. What is the highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Bronco Custom? The highest selling price of a 1979 Ford Bronco Custom at auction over the last three years was $216,700.
How much is a 1977 Bronco worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $58,200 for a 1977 Ford Bronco in good condition with average spec.
How much is a 1970 Ford Bronco worth?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $46,125 for a 1970 Ford Bronco in good condition with average spec. The highest selling price of a 1970 Ford Bronco at auction over the last three years was $429,000.
