At HistoryofSouthAfricanFootball.com, we set out to answer a question that’s often debated but rarely quantified: How much are Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns actually worth?

South Africa’s “Big 3” are iconic institutions—but since PSL clubs are not publicly listed and do not disclose audited financial statements, we’ve relied on estimated revenue streams and football valuation methods commonly used around the world.

Using the widely accepted revenue multiple method, we estimated their worth by multiplying each club’s estimated annual revenue by a club-specific multiplier — based on:

• Brand strength & national following
• On-field success
• Revenue-generating assets (facilities, merchandise, partnerships)
• Continental visibility

🧾 How We Valued Each Club

We used a club-specific multiple rather than a blanket “×3 for all” method. Why? Because not all revenue is created equal. A club with a national following and iconic brand deserves a higher multiplier than a club with limited commercial reach — even if it wins more trophies.

Here’s how each club performed:

🟡 Kaizer Chiefs

• Estimated Revenue: R222,100,000
  • Sponsorship: R110m
  • Ticket Sales: R105m
  • Trophies: R7m
  • Merchandise: R100,000
• Brand & Fan Base:
  • The most supported club in South Africa, with sold-out matches in all 9 provinces.
  • The Kaizer Chiefs brand is iconic and deeply ingrained in South African football culture.
• Facilities: Owns Kaizer Chiefs Village, a state-of-the-art training complex
• On-Field Success: Trophy drought recently broken

✅ Valuation Multiple: 4× (justified by brand dominance and reach)
💸 Valuation: R222,100,000 × 4 = R888,400,000

⚫ Orlando Pirates

• Estimated Revenue: R182,100,000
  • Sponsorship: R110m
  • Ticket Sales: R52m
  • Trophies: R20m
  • Merchandise: R100,000
• Brand & Fan Base:
  • The second most supported club in SA with strong presence in Gauteng and beyond
• Facilities: Doesn’t own training facilities
• On-Field Success: 5 trophies in 3 years; CAF semi-finalists

✅ Valuation Multiple: 3× (solid brand and growing success)
💸 Valuation: R182,100,000 × 3 = R546,300,000

🟢 Mamelodi Sundowns

• Estimated Revenue: R310,850,000
  • Owner Contribution: R248m
  • Ticket Sales: R2.8m
  • Trophies: R60m
  • Merchandise: R50,000
• Brand & Fan Base:
  • While continentally respected, Sundowns have limited nationwide mass support.
  • Home stadium often filled only during big matches.
• Facilities: Rents facilities
• On-Field Success: Undeniably dominant — 8 league titles in a row

✅ Valuation Multiple: 2.5× (exceptional sporting value, but limited commercial fanbase reach)
💸 Valuation: R310,850,000 × 2.5 = R777,125,000

🏁 Final Rankings: Updated Club Valuations

🧠 Final Thoughts

• Kaizer Chiefs tops the valuation chart, not because they win more—but because they command unmatched emotional, cultural, and commercial power. Note: We did not include the revenue the club makes from its partnership with Hollard insurance and we did not include what it makes from the Kaizer Chiefs Village due to lack of data.
• Mamelodi Sundowns is South Africa’s best-performing football team, but brand reach and commercial fan engagement still need to catch up to their trophy cabinet. Note: We did not include the revenue the club makes from its partnership with Salam insurance due to lack of data.
• Orlando Pirates strikes a balance between consistent success and strong national support. Note: We did not include the revenue the club makes from its partnership with Vodacom Life Assurance Company (RF) Limited insurance due to lack of data.

👉 These valuations represent more than just finances — they reflect influence, identity, and legacy in South African football.

🔍 Disclaimer: These Are Just Estimates

It’s important to emphasize that these valuations are informed estimates, based on available data and industry-standard methods. Since PSL clubs like Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, and Mamelodi Sundowns do not publish audited financial statements, we’ve had to rely on best-guess projections using revenue indicators, brand strength, infrastructure, and sporting success.

The actual values may be higher or lower depending on undisclosed earnings, liabilities, or brand licensing deals not captured here.

Nonetheless, this valuation provides a useful snapshot of how the Big 3 stack up in terms of financial muscle and overall club value in South African football.