Detroit's franchise value fell $100M year-over-year, placing it 23rd among 30 MLB teams per Forbes 2025 data. The decline tracks a broader market correction: average MLB valuations grew just 2.3% in 2024 versus 8.1% in 2023, The Tigers' erosion stems from three structural headwinds: payroll efficiency rankings in bottom decile, 2024 attendance at 1.89M (down 12% from 2023), and operating margins compressed by competitive spending without playoff returns. Ilitch's franchise operates without premium regional media assets unlike Yankees ($6B) or Red Sox ($3.9B), limiting upside until on-field performance drives gate and broadcast revenue recovery. Tigers remain a leverage-to-value play for new ownership; current multiple of 4.2x EBITDA sits below MLB median of 5.1x.