In the fast-paced world of the NBA, having a “Big Three” of superstar players often translates to on-court success. But off the hardwood, the league also has its own triumvirate in terms of franchise valuations. According to Sportico’s latest annual assessment, the Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers stand head and shoulders above the rest when it comes to team value.
The NBA’s Most Valuable Franchises
Leading the pack are the Warriors, with a staggering valuation of $9.14 billion. This not only tops the NBA but also makes Golden State the second most valuable franchise in all of U.S. sports, behind only the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys at $10.3 billion. Hot on the Warriors’ heels are the Knicks at $8.3 billion and the Lakers at $8.07 billion.
These lofty valuations factor in not just the teams themselves but also ownership’s real estate holdings and related businesses such as WNBA franchises. The Warriors, for instance, have an affiliated WNBA expansion team set to tip off next season.
Soaring Average Team Value
Across the league, the average NBA team is now worth a hefty $4.6 billion. This marks a substantial 15% increase from last year and an eye-popping doubling in value over just the past four years. It’s clear that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, the NBA remains a highly lucrative and fast-growing business.
The NBA has a higher value-to-revenue ratio than any other major U.S. sports league.
– Sportico
Notable Risers and Venue Impact
While the Warriors, Knicks, and Lakers saw their values rise 10-12% year-over-year, some other franchises enjoyed even more dramatic gains. The Brooklyn Nets surged 43% to reach $5.7 billion, leaping from 13th to 4th on the valuation list. The Nets’ Barclays Center arena recently ranked as the highest-grossing venue in the world.
Controlling their home venue provides a major boost to franchise valuations. Among the top 10 most valuable NBA teams, only the storied Lakers and Celtics don’t own their arenas. This venue factor, along with market size and on-court success, shapes the league’s financial pecking order.
Full NBA Franchise Valuation Rankings
- Golden State Warriors – $9.14 billion
- New York Knicks – $8.3 billion
- Los Angeles Lakers – $8.07 billion
- Brooklyn Nets – $5.7 billion
- Los Angeles Clippers – $5.68 billion
- Boston Celtics* – $5.66 billion
- Chicago Bulls – $5.56 billion
- Miami Heat – $5 billion
- Houston Rockets – $4.77 billion
- Toronto Raptors – $4.66 billion
*The Celtics are currently in the process of being sold.
Key Takeaways
The NBA’s soaring franchise values reflect the league’s immense global popularity and robust business model. With the average team now worth $4.6 billion, NBA ownership has proven to be a hugely profitable endeavor. But even in a league of financial titans, the Warriors, Knicks, and Lakers have separated themselves as the cream of the crop.
As the NBA continues to expand its international reach and leverage new technologies and revenue streams, expect team values to keep climbing. The Warriors’ $9 billion-plus valuation may seem astounding today, but it could become the norm for top franchises in the not-too-distant future. In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, big market teams with iconic brands and state-of-the-art venues are well-positioned to keep leading the way in the valuation race.
Notable Risers and Venue Impact
While the Warriors, Knicks, and Lakers saw their values rise 10-12% year-over-year, some other franchises enjoyed even more dramatic gains. The Brooklyn Nets surged 43% to reach $5.7 billion, leaping from 13th to 4th on the valuation list. The Nets’ Barclays Center arena recently ranked as the highest-grossing venue in the world.
Controlling their home venue provides a major boost to franchise valuations. Among the top 10 most valuable NBA teams, only the storied Lakers and Celtics don’t own their arenas. This venue factor, along with market size and on-court success, shapes the league’s financial pecking order.
Full NBA Franchise Valuation Rankings
- Golden State Warriors – $9.14 billion
- New York Knicks – $8.3 billion
- Los Angeles Lakers – $8.07 billion
- Brooklyn Nets – $5.7 billion
- Los Angeles Clippers – $5.68 billion
- Boston Celtics* – $5.66 billion
- Chicago Bulls – $5.56 billion
- Miami Heat – $5 billion
- Houston Rockets – $4.77 billion
- Toronto Raptors – $4.66 billion
*The Celtics are currently in the process of being sold.
Key Takeaways
The NBA’s soaring franchise values reflect the league’s immense global popularity and robust business model. With the average team now worth $4.6 billion, NBA ownership has proven to be a hugely profitable endeavor. But even in a league of financial titans, the Warriors, Knicks, and Lakers have separated themselves as the cream of the crop.
As the NBA continues to expand its international reach and leverage new technologies and revenue streams, expect team values to keep climbing. The Warriors’ $9 billion-plus valuation may seem astounding today, but it could become the norm for top franchises in the not-too-distant future. In the high-stakes world of professional basketball, big market teams with iconic brands and state-of-the-art venues are well-positioned to keep leading the way in the valuation race.
