The NBA is one of the most lucrative sporting brands in the entire world. Over the last few decades, the NBA has grown exponentially and has reached popularity across the world. So far it is one of the few American sports leagues that have attained global popularity. And with that worldwide exposure has come a financial explosion for the NBA.
As reported by Bleacher Report, Sportico recently released a list of the NBA’s most valuable franchises. The New York Knicks clinched the top spot, with the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Brooklyn Nets, and Chicago Bulls rounding out the top 5.
Other teams like the Boston Celtics, LA Clippers, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and Dallas Mavericks rounded out the top 10.
Top 10 Most Valuable Franchsises In The NBA
- New York Knicks: $6.12 billion
- Golden State Warriors: $6.03 billion
- Los Angeles Lakers: $5.63 billion
- Brooklyn Nets: $3.61 billion
- Chicago Bulls: $3.53 billion
- Boston Celtics: $3.44 billion
- Los Angeles Clippers: $3.16 billion
- Houston Rockets: $2.79 billion
- Toronto Raptors: $2.74 billion
- Dallas Mavericks: $2.72 billion
The Knicks being the most valuable team makes sense, as they are in the biggest market in the NBA – New York. The Warriors have been one of the most successful teams in the NBA over the last few years, and operate out of San Francisco, another major market.
As for the Lakers, they are one of the most historical franchises in the league, and in one of the biggest markets in the NBA. The Nets, while not being in the heart of New York, still get to capitalize on the city’s exposure, but not to the extent that the Knicks do.
Chicago is very much a franchise on the rise again, and their historical ties to Michael Jordan always help their valuation. Boston, like LA, is a historically successful franchise, but not bolstered by the big market exposure like the Lakers. The exact opposite goes for the Clippers; a big market team with almost no historical success.
The Houston Rockets and Toronto Raptors are teams that were good a few years ago but are entering a rebuilding period. As for the Dallas Mavericks, they host one of the NBA’s brightest young stars in Luka Doncic and are backed by one of the wealthiest owners in the NBA.
Will this list look any different this time next year? The top 4 are unlikely to change, given their team structure and their location. But other teams in the NBA could see their valuation change based on their current success and their potential for the future developing as the year goes on. But as things stand, these are the 10 most valuable franchises in the NBA.
