A sports franchise is a professional sports team that is authorized to operate under a specific league’s governance and brand. The franchise typically holds rights to a particular geographic area and represents that locale in competitions. It operates as a business, generating revenue through ticket sales, merchandise, broadcasting rights, and sponsorships. Franchises are often owned by individuals or groups who invest capital to secure their operation, with the aim of achieving financial success and competitive performance. Each franchise is a member of a larger league, such as the National Football League (NFL) or Major League Baseball (MLB), and must adhere to league rules and regulations.