The Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, and Los Angeles Lakers dominate not only on the court but also in franchise valuations, cementing themselves as the NBA’s “big three” of financial worth.
According to Sportico’s annual assessment released Wednesday, these franchises far outpace the league’s average valuation of $4.6 billion, with the Warriors leading the pack at a staggering $9.14 billion.
The NBA’s Financial Titans
The Warriors’ valuation, which includes ownership of their arena and affiliated businesses such as their forthcoming WNBA expansion team, represents a 10% increase from 2023. Their $9.14 billion worth also makes them the second-most valuable sports franchise in the United States, trailing only the Dallas Cowboys ($10.3 billion).
The New York Knicks, at $8.3 billion, and the Los Angeles Lakers, at $8.07 billion, complete the top three, with both franchises also seeing a 10-12% rise in value over the past year.
Brooklyn Nets’ Dramatic Surge
The Brooklyn Nets experienced the most significant jump in the rankings, climbing from 13th place in 2023 to fourth in 2024. With a valuation of $5.7 billion—up 43%—the Nets’ growth was bolstered by the Barclays Center, which Sportico notes as the world’s highest-grossing arena.
Rounding out the top 10 are:
- LA Clippers: $5.68 billion
- Boston Celtics: $5.66 billion (currently for sale)
- Chicago Bulls: $5.56 billion
- Miami Heat: $5 billion
- Houston Rockets: $4.77 billion
- Toronto Raptors: $4.66 billion
The League’s Overall Growth
NBA team values have nearly doubled in the past four years, with an average increase of 15% from 2023. The league’s franchise valuations are also the highest relative to revenue among major U.S. sports leagues. The MLS ranks second on this list, followed by the NFL, NHL, WNBA, NWSL, and MLB.
While the league is experiencing exponential growth, not all franchises share the same fortune. The bottom three teams are the Minnesota Timberwolves ($3.29 billion), the New Orleans Pelicans ($3.09 billion), and the Memphis Grizzlies ($3.06 billion).
With the Warriors set to debut their WNBA team in 2025 and other franchises capitalizing on real estate and arena ownership, the NBA’s financial landscape is poised for further growth. As the league continues to evolve, these valuations show its position as one of the most lucrative sports leagues globally.
