The NBA is one of the most popular leagues in the US and house to some of the premier superstars in the world. With its ever-growing acclaim among fans and enthusiasts of the sport, the value of the NBA, along with its teams, keeps climbing every day.
Since the inception of the league, the sport of basketball has made huge strides and has become one of the most popular sports in the world. Over the years, many teams have written and rewritten history with their on-court glory.
Dynasties have been formed and broken. Stars of the sport have taken the league to new heights. Superteams have been aligned and dissembled. But never has the league reached numbers like the ones it currently has in terms of financial standings. Today we take a look at the 10 most valuable teams in the NBA.
10. Houston Rockets: $4.05 billion
The Houston Rockets are one of the ten most valuable franchises in the NBA. Tilman Fertitta purchased the Rockets in 2017 for a reported $2.2 billion, making it one of the largest sales prices for a sports franchise at the time.
Houston Rockets have a net value of $4.05 billion (Image via Imago)Fertitta’s ownership has seen the Rockets navigate through both successes and challenges, with a focus on building a competitive team while also ensuring the franchise’s financial stability. The team now has an estimated net value of about $4.05 billion per Spotico.
9. Toronto Raptors: $4.11 billion
The Toronto Raptors are the next franchise on our list. With an estimated value of about $4,11 billion, the Toronto-based team has seen some really exceptional success, both in terms of sporting and financial aspects.
When the Raptors beat Stephen Curry‘s Dubs dynasty in the 2019 NBA Finals, it was an upset that no one saw coming. It was their first and only Championship glory in franchise history. Unbeknownst to many, the Raptors are one of the only few teams who have never lost an NBA Finals series.
Toronto Raptors have a net value of $4.11 billion (Image via BFrames)Larry Tanenbaum, Rogers Communications and Bell Canada Enterprises are the current principal owners of the Raptors. Tanenbaum’s Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment are the controlling entity behind the franchise.
8. Philadelphia 76ers: $4.13 billion
The Philadelphia 76ers have seen little title glory in the last few decades, but their financial stocks have been on the rise for quite some time. The Philly-based team has an estimated net value of about $4.13 billion in 2024, which makes them the eighth most valuable NBA franchise in the league right now.
Philadelphia 76ers have a net value of $4.13 billion (Image via Imago)Since Joel Embiid’s rise to stardom, the big man has been the ultimate driving force behind their recent success. Although the Sixers have focused on developing sustainable rosters brimming with talent over the years, their last Larry O’Brien trophy came in 1983. Over the last decade, they have also endured some of the longest losing streaks in NBA history, including one that even spanned across two seasons from 2014-15 to 2015-16.
7. Miami Heat: $4.17 billion
It is safe to say that ever since Shaquille O’Neal made his groundbreaking move from the Lakers to the Miami Heat, the stocks of the Miami-based team have been on the climb. Shaq went on to win his last ring with the franchise, and later, LeBron James’ epic tenure with the team propelled them to back-to-back titles.
Miami Heat have a net value of $4.17 billion (Image via Imago)Now, with an estimated net value of about $4.17 billion, the Heat is one of the most valuable teams in the NBA. Their sporting project looks pretty well on track as Jimmy Butler and Co. are fresh off a Finals appearance and will be looking to take home the trophy this year.
6. Los Angeles Clippers: $4.56 billion
The LA Clippers are looking like formidable contenders in the West this season. Steve Balmer’s team has managed to gather a star-studded lineup with names like Russell Westbrook, James Harden and Kawhi Leonard running the floor.
Los Angeles Clippers have a net value of $4.56 billion (Image via Imago)They currently have a value of $4.56 in 2024, which makes them the sixth richest franchise in the league. With their top-notch performances, a possible title campaign might be in the cards this season for the Los Angeles Based team this season.
5. Chicago Bulls: $4.83 billion
Although the Chicago Bulls have failed to replicate the success they experienced during Michael Jordan’s era, their financial stocks have risen over the years. The franchise has an estimated net value of $4.83 billion, which makes the Bulls one of the five most valuable NBA teams in the league.
Chicago Bulls have a net value of $4.83 billion (Image via Imago)While Jordan’s sixth ring was the last time the Bulls had sealed the title, Jerry Reinsdorf’s team now looks focused on a winning project. Remains to be seen if they can add one more Larry O’Brien trophy to their cabinet this season.
4. Boston Celtics: $5.12 billion
The Boston Celtics remain one of the most successful NBA franchises in league history. With 17 NBA titles beside their name, the Celtics have proved time and again why they are one of the league’s elites.
Boston Celtics have a net value of $5.12 billion (Image via Imago)The team currently has an estimated net value of about $5.12 billion, sitting just behind the Lakers, Knicks and Warriors as one of the most valuable franchises in the league. In fact, they have also extended the most expensive NBA contract in league history to their star guard Jaylen Brown.
3. Los Angeles Lakers: $7.34 billion
Of course, the Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most popular and most valuable franchises in the NBA. They are tied with the Boston Celtics for the most NBA Championship titles in league history.
Currently, the Lakers are worth an estimated $7.34 billion which makes them the third most valuable NBA team right now. The purple and gold are being led by LeBron James who does not seem to be slowing down even at 39.
Los Angeles Lakers have a net value of $7.34 billion (Image via FromTheBend)It is also home to superstars like Anthony Davis and Austin Reaves who are delivering day in and day out for the fans of the LA-based franchise. Jeanie Buss‘ team made about $558 million in yearly revenues last season which were better than the $498 million they made in 2021-22.
2. New York Knicks: $7.43 billion
The NY-based franchise has seen some really amazing climb to their net value over the course of the last few years. Their yearly revenues went from $471 million to $536 million in the 202-23 season and could possibly climb more in the coming seasons.
In 1994, Charles Dolan‘s Cablevision gained 50% ownership of Madison Square Garden, bringing franchises like the New York Knicks (NBA), New York Liberty (WNBA), New York Rangers (NHL), and Hartford Wolf Pack (AHL) under the Dolan family’s ownership.
New York Knicks have a net value of $7.43 billion (Image via Imago)Currently, James Dolan is the principal owner of the New York Knicks. With an estimated net value of about $7.43 billion, the Knicks are the third most valuable franchise in the NBA.
1. Golden State Warriors: $8.28 billion
Since Stephen Curry’s draft in the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have seen an incredible rise in terms of fame and fortune. The legendary sharpshooter has been the ultimate cornerstone of the Dubs dynasty.
While the Warriors were valued in millions back in 2011 when Curry was drafted in the NBA, today the franchise is the most valuable team in the league. The Golden State Warriors have an estimated net value of $8.28 billion now.
Golden State Warriors have a net value of $8.28 billion (via FromTheBend)Under the tutelage of Joe Lacob, who originally acquired the franchise alongside Peter Guber for $450 million from previous owner Chris Cohan, the Dubs have already won four NBA Championships and could be eyeing another one this season.
FAQs
Q. Which is the most valuable NBA franchise?
The Golden State Warriors are the most valuable NBA franchise in the league.
Q. How many NBA Championships have the Los Angeles Lakers won?
The Los Angeles Lakers have won a total of 17 NBA Championships in league history.
Q. How many NBA Championships have the Boston Celtics won?
The Boston Celtics won 17 NBA Championships in league history.
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