The Wealth Powerhouses of Basketball: The Top 10 Richest NBA Franchises

As the world of professional basketball grows more lucrative than ever, certain franchises have distinguished themselves not just for their on-court success, but for their immense valuations off it. The NBA’s leading teams have seen their values explode thanks to a mix of historic performances, passionate fanbases, high-profile owners, and lucrative corporate partnerships. Here’s an updated look at the ten most valuable teams in the NBA, based on the latest figures from Forbes.

Golden State Warriors: Setting New Records in Franchise Value

Current Valuation: $7.7 billion
Last Purchase Price: $450 million in 2010
Ownership: Joe Lacob, Peter Guber

The Golden State Warriors, once considered a struggling team, have ascended to the top of both the court and the balance sheet. Under the stewardship of Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who acquired the club for $450 million in 2010, the Warriors transformed into an NBA dynasty. Key to their financial boom: four NBA championship titles and six Finals appearances between 2015 and 2023. The team’s value surged rapidly—leaping from $1.9 billion to $2.6 billion after their initial title in 2015, and topping $7 billion by 2022.

Their 2019 move to the state-of-the-art Chase Center cemented their dominance in San Francisco’s competitive entertainment market, while tech sector proximity kept sponsorships like Rakuten ($20 million per year) and partnerships with major brands including Google, Oracle, and Chase Bank coming in strong. In the 2022–23 season alone, the Warriors generated $765 million in revenue. Forecasts suggest they may be the first NBA team to surpass an $8 billion valuation, with competition from the Knicks and Lakers intensifying the race to reach $10 billion.

New York Knicks: Iconic Value Amid Droughts

Current Valuation: $6.6 billion
Last Purchase Price: $300 million in 1997
Owner: James Dolan (Madison Square Garden Sports)

Despite a championship drought of more than five decades, the Knicks are the NBA’s second most valuable franchise. Anchored in Midtown Manhattan’s Madison Square Garden, the team benefits from a devoted fan base and continuous corporate support. James Dolan’s ownership, inherited after the 1997 purchase, has been controversial, but the club’s financial health remains robust. In recent years, the Knicks’ value has doubled, reaching $6.6 billion, with sponsorships from brands like Squarespace and J.P. Morgan Chase underpinning significant revenues. If the Knicks return to championship contention, they could potentially eclipse all others in the league’s value rankings.

Los Angeles Lakers: Hollywood Fame Meets Basketball Fortune

Current Valuation: $6.4 billion
Recent Minority Sale: $1.35 billion in 2021 for 27% stake
Owners: Jeanie Buss (Buss Family Trust), Todd Boehly, Mark Walter

Few teams rival the global appeal of the Los Angeles Lakers. Since Dr. Jerry Buss’ purchase in 1979—a deal famous for including the Chrysler Building—the franchise has tastefully blended Hollywood’s glitz with athletic excellence, winning 17 championships in total. Jeanie Buss has overseen the team since her father’s passing, orchestrating a strategic minority stake sale but maintaining stability at the helm. Major sponsors like Bibigo, Nike, and Toyota support the club’s significant brand value. Their home, Crypto.com Arena, sets the stage for star-studded events attracting celebrities and fans worldwide.

Boston Celtics: Historically Rich, Financially Strong

Current Valuation: $4.7 billion
Last Purchase Price: $360 million in 2002
Owners: Wyc Grousbeck, Stephen Pagliuca (Boston Basketball Partners)

The Boston Celtics remain synonymous with championship pedigree, claiming their 18th title to become the winningest franchise in league history. After the 2002 takeover by Boston Basketball Partners, the Celtics continued to grow in value, attracting corporate sponsors like Vistaprint and household names such as Dunkin’ and JetBlue. This enduring success and loyal following guarantee the team’s place among the league’s financial elite.

Los Angeles Clippers: Rapid Growth in a Competitive Market

Current Valuation: $4.65 billion
Last Purchase Price: $2 billion in 2014
Owner: Steve Ballmer

The Clippers have long stood in the Lakers’ shadow but have soared in value since Steve Ballmer, one of the world’s richest individuals, purchased the franchise. Despite lacking championship hardware, Ballmer’s leadership and deep pockets—backed by a personal net worth near $130 billion—have doubled the team’s valuation in less than a decade. Corporate sponsors such as Bumble and Honey have been eager partners, and the team continues to eye patch deals exceeding $20 million per season.

Chicago Bulls: Soaring on the Wings of Legacy

Current Valuation: $4.6 billion
Last Purchase Price: $16.2 million in 1985
Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf

Chicago’s Bulls are a testament to longevity in sports business. Jerry Reinsdorf bought the team just as Michael Jordan began his legendary career, leading six championships in the 1990s. That legacy remains a significant driver of franchise value today. Motorola represents a key sponsorship partner, with the Bulls also joined by brands like Coca-Cola, American Express, and Lexus on their corporate roster.

Dallas Mavericks: Tech Wealth Fuels Ascendance

Current Valuation: $4.5 billion
Latest Major Stake Sale: $3.5 billion in 2023 for 73% share
Ownership: Adelson family, Mark Cuban

The Dallas Mavericks’ meteoric rise is largely attributed to Mark Cuban, who purchased the team for $200 million in 2000 using tech wealth from the sale of Broadcast.com. The Mavericks won their inaugural NBA championship in 2011 and have since sustained strong postseason performances. Cuban recently sold a majority share to the Adelson family, known for their casino empire, but keeps a significant stake and managerial input. Partnerships with Chime and American Airlines further amplify the team’s financial strength.

Houston Rockets: Doubling Value in a Decade

Current Valuation: $4.4 billion
Last Purchase Price: $2.2 billion in 2017
Owner: Tilman Fertitta

The Rockets, best known for their 1990s championship runs, have seen their value skyrocket under ownership of Tilman Fertitta, hospitality magnate and casino owner. In less than seven years since his $2.2 billion purchase, the franchise has doubled in value. Their burgeoning corporate sponsorship roster includes Credit Karma, Adidas, and Southwest Airlines, complementing their competitive presence in one of America’s largest markets.

Philadelphia 76ers: Tradition and Transformation

Current Valuation: $4.3 billion
Last Purchase Price: $287 million in 2011
Owners: Joshua Harris, David Blitzer (Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment)

Tracing roots back to 1955, the 76ers are steeped in tradition and historical success, capturing three championships. The 2011 acquisition by Harris and Blitzer propelled the franchise’s value by over $4 billion. Despite a lengthy title drought, the club remains one of the NBA’s financial juggernauts, boasting sponsorship agreements with companies like Crypto.com and Ticketmaster, and continuing to engage fans in Philadelphia’s passionate sports community.

Toronto Raptors: Canada’s Basketball Beacon

Current Valuation: $4.1 billion
Last Purchase Price: $400 million in 2012
Owner: Larry Tanenbaum (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment)