How Much Every NBA Team Was Last Sold For: From $10 Billion To Just $11 Million

The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a whopping amount of $10 billion. With a record-breaking sale setting the template for franchise ownership, we take a look at how much each NBA team was sold for last.

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The Los Angeles Lakers completed one of the biggest sales in NBA history, with Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global, acquiring the team for a record fee of $10 billion

The Purple and Gold have been under the watchful ownership of the Buss family for 46 years, and considering that Dr. Jerry Buss purchased the team for $67.5 million in 1979, the Buss family has walked away with a sizeable profit.

The Lakers are one of the most iconic teams, not just in the NBA, but in the sporting world, as well. The impact of such a sale is bound to have major implications on how sports teams structure sales or even go about valuing their teams.

With this in mind, we shift our attention to the NBA, where several teams have seen a major rise in valuation since their addition to the league. With the Lakers headlining the list of the most expensive purchases in recent years, we take a look at what value each NBA team was last sold for.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (2025) – $10 Billion

2. Boston Celtics (2025) – $6.1 Billion

3. Phoenix Suns (2023) – $4.0 Billion

4. Dallas Mavericks (2023) – $3.8 Billion

5. Milwaukee Bucks (2023) – $3.5 Billion

6. Brooklyn Nets (2019) – $3.3 Billion

7. Charlotte Hornets (2023) – $3.0 Billion

8. Houston Rockets (2017) – $2.2 Billion

9. Los Angeles Clippers (2014) – $2.0 Billion

10. Utah Jazz (2020) – $1.7 Billion

11. Minnesota Timberwolves (2021) – $1.5 Billion

12. Atlanta Hawks (2015) – $850 Million

13. Washington Wizards (2010) – $551 Million

14. Sacramento Kings (2013) – $534 Million

15. Golden State Warriors (2010) – $450 Million

16. Toronto Raptors (2012) – $400 Million

17. Memphis Grizzlies (2012) – $377 Million

18. Cleveland Cavaliers (2008) – $375 Million

19. Oklahoma City Thunder (2006) – $350 Million

20. New Orleans Pelicans (2012) – $338 Million

21. Detroit Pistons (2011) – $325 Million

22. New York Knicks (1997) – $300 Million

23. Philadelphia 76ers (2011) – $280 Million

24. Denver Nuggets (2000) – $202 Million

25. Orlando Magic (1991) – $85 Million

26. San Antonio Spurs (1993) – $75 Million

27. Portland Trail Blazers (1988) – $70 Million

28. Miami Heat (1995) – $33 Million

29. Chicago Bulls (1985) – $16 Million

30. Indiana Pacers (1983) – $11 Million

The disparity in the purchase values of the teams is quite drastic. From the teams purchased in the 2020s, the difference between the Lakers’ purchase value and the Wolves is almost 10x.

The template for selling an NBA team was technically set by the Boston Celtics, one of the most storied franchises in the NBA. In March, former Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck sold his team at the price of $6.1 billion. This was a huge profit, considering he purchased the team for $360 million initially.

The Celtics’ profit margin certainly pales in comparison to the Lakers, something that was pointed out by Lakers legend Magic Johnson. But the implications of such a move are truly exciting.

A purchase of a team is often followed by a milestone move by the owners to establish their position, particularly to gain the approval of the fans. Given the Lakers’ current position, with their ongoing roster construction efforts, this could be a positive sign for major acquisitions.

The team’s future is open to a number of possibilities. With the superstar duo of LeBron James and Luka Doncic in favor of this change, the organization could see a massive change in operational culture as well.

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Siddhant Gupta is a basketball columnist at Fadeaway World, based out of Mumbai, India. He combines firsthand playing experience with thoughtful analysis to report on the NBA's ever-evolving world. A lifelong athlete, Siddhant's perspective is rooted in years on the court, giving his work a unique edge that resonates with both casual fans and seasoned ones.Before joining Fadeaway World, he spent two formative years at Sportskeeda, where he sharpened his skills and had the opportunity to interview NBA legend Ray Allen during his time in India. A diehard Los Angeles Lakers fan since 2008, Siddhant doesn't just report on the game—he lives it. Beyond his work, he is a student of the game, constantly learning, debating, and engaging with the local and global basketball communities.
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