Dolphins Worth Just Over $1 Billion, Per Forbes

Despite struggles to fill the stands and three consecutive losing seasons, the Miami Dolphins are still a very recognizable brand. In Forbes' latest ranking of professional sports franchises, the Dolphins are valued at $1.01 billion and rank as the world's 22nd most valuable sports franchise.

The ranking makes the Dolphins the 13th most valuable NFL franchise and places them behind the New England Patriots ($1.4 billion) and New York Jets ($1.23 billion) among AFC East teams. Via Forbes:

The Dolphins brand has been damaged in recent years after three straight losing seasons and only one playoff appearance in the last decade. The team lost its first seven games of the 2011 season and struggled to sell tickets.The Dolphins, team sponsors and the local TV station often bought unsold tickets to prevent home games from being blacked out. The Dolphins roster of investors reads like a who's who of pop culture: Marc Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Fergie, and Serena and Venus Williams.

With a young quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, now on the team, there is reason to have excitement in Miami. With more wins, the Dolphins should be able to turn around what has been a declining product.

For more on the Miami Dolphins be sure to check out The Phinsider.