In recent years, the NBA has seen a remarkable surge in team valuations, reflecting the league’s growing popularity and financial success. Despite concerns about declining TV ratings and various controversies, the business side of the NBA is thriving. A prime example of this trend is the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers for a staggering $10 billion, making it the most expensive sale of a sports team in U.S. history. Below is a comprehensive look at the most expensive NBA team sales to date, showcasing how the financial landscape of professional basketball has evolved.
1. Los Angeles Lakers: $10 Billion
Acquired by Mark Walter in 2025, the Lakers have a storied history, having been purchased by Jerry Buss in 1979 for just $67.5 million. The franchise’s value has skyrocketed, thanks to its market size, brand power, and legacy of success.
2. Boston Celtics: $6.1 Billion
The Celtics were bought by Bill Chisholm in 2025, a significant leap from their previous purchase by Wyc Grousbeck in 2002 for $360 million. The Celtics are one of the most successful franchises in NBA history, contributing to their high valuation.
3. Phoenix Suns: $4 Billion
Mat Ishbia purchased the Suns in 2022, marking a significant increase from Robert Sarver’s acquisition in 2004 for $401 million. The Suns’ recent success on the court, including playoff appearances, has bolstered their market value.
4. Brooklyn Nets: $3.3 Billion
Joe Tsai bought the Nets in 2019 for $3.3 billion, a steep rise from Mikhail Prokhorov’s purchase in 2010 for $200 million. The Nets’ move to Brooklyn and the star-studded roster have enhanced their appeal and market value.
5. Houston Rockets: $2.2 Billion
Tilman Fertitta acquired the Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 billion, a substantial increase from Leslie Alexander’s purchase in 1993 for $85 million. The Rockets’ strong fan base and competitive history contribute to their valuation.
6. Los Angeles Clippers: $2 Billion
Steve Ballmer purchased the Clippers in 2014 for $2 billion, a remarkable rise from Donald Sterling’s acquisition in 1981 for $12.5 million. The Clippers’ recent successes and the Los Angeles market have significantly increased their value.
7. Utah Jazz: $1.6 Billion
Ryan Smith acquired the Jazz in 2020, a notable increase from Larry H. Miller’s purchase in 1986 for $14 million. The Jazz’s consistent performance and loyal fan base have helped drive their valuation upwards.
8. Minnesota Timberwolves: $1.5 Billion
Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore’s acquisition of the Timberwolves was finalized in 2025. The franchise was bought by Glen Taylor in 1994 for $88 million, highlighting the dramatic increase in team valuations over the years.
9. Toronto Raptors: $1.3 Billion
The Raptors were valued at $1.3 billion following their purchase by Rogers and Bell in 2011. Originally bought by MLSE in 1998 for $467 million, the Raptors’ championship win in 2019 has significantly boosted their market appeal.
10. New York Knicks: $1.1 Billion
The Knicks, owned by Cablevision Systems Corp. since 1994, were purchased for $1.1 billion. The team was originally bought by Gulf and Western Industries in 1977 for $185 million, showcasing the Knicks’ enduring market presence despite their recent struggles on the court.
11. Atlanta Hawks: $850 Million
Tony Ressler acquired the Hawks in 2015 for $850 million, a significant increase from the Atlanta Spirit’s purchase in 2004 for $250 million. The Hawks’ recent playoff appearances have contributed to their rising valuation.
12. New Orleans Pelicans: $338 Million
Tom Benson bought the Pelicans in 2012 for $338 million, a considerable increase from George Shinn’s purchase in 1987 for $32.5 million. The Pelicans’ young talent and potential for growth have made them an attractive investment.
13. Cleveland Cavaliers: $375 Million
Dan Gilbert purchased the Cavaliers in 2005 for $375 million, a notable increase from Gordon Gund’s acquisition in 1983 for $20 million. The Cavaliers’ championship win in 2016 significantly enhanced their market value.
14. Milwaukee Bucks: $550 Million
Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry bought the Bucks in 2014 for $550 million, a considerable rise from Herb Kohl’s purchase in 1985 for $18 million. The Bucks’ recent success and their new arena have bolstered their financial standing.
15. Washington Wizards: $550 Million
Ted Leonsis acquired the Wizards in 2010 for $550 million, a significant increase from Abe Pollin’s purchase in 1964 for just $1.1 million. The Wizards’ market potential in Washington, D.C., contributes to their valuation.
16. Sacramento Kings: $534 Million
Vivek Ranadive bought the Kings in 2013 for $534 million, a notable rise from the Maloof family’s purchase in 1998 for $156 million. The Kings’ potential for growth in a passionate fan base plays a role in their current valuation.
17. Denver Nuggets: $450 Million
Stan Kroenke purchased the Nuggets in 2000 for $450 million, which included the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and their home arena. The franchise was bought by Communications Satellite in 1989 for $54 million, illustrating the significant increase in value.
18. Golden State Warriors: $450 Million
Joe Lacob and Peter Guber bought the Warriors in 2010 for $450 million, a substantial increase from Chris Cohan’s purchase in 1995 for $119 million. The Warriors’ recent championship successes have greatly enhanced their financial value.
19. Phoenix Suns: $401 Million
Robert Sarver acquired the Suns in 2004 for $401 million, a significant increase from Jerry Colangelo’s purchase in 1987 for $44.5 million. The Suns’ potential for success has made them a valuable franchise.
20. Boston Celtics: $360 Million
Wyc Grousbeck bought the Celtics in 2002 for $360 million, a notable increase from the previous purchase by Don Gaston, Paul Dupee, and Alan Cohen in 1983 for $15 million. The Celtics’ rich history and brand recognition contribute to their value.
21. Memphis Grizzlies: $350 Million
Robert Pera purchased the Grizzlies in 2012 for $350 million, a significant increase from Michael Heisley’s acquisition in 2001 for $160 million. The Grizzlies’ competitive spirit has made them an appealing investment.
22. Oklahoma City Thunder: $350 Million
Clay Bennett bought the Thunder in 2006 for $350 million, a notable increase from Howard Schultz’s purchase in 2001 for $200 million. The team’s success and fan support have contributed to its rising valuation.
23. New Orleans Pelicans: $338 Million
Tom Benson’s acquisition of the Pelicans in 2012 for $338 million represents a significant increase from George Shinn’s purchase in 1987 for $32.5 million. The team’s potential for growth has made them an attractive investment.
These record-breaking sales reflect the increasing financial power of the NBA and its franchises. As the league continues to grow in popularity, it will be interesting to see how these valuations evolve in the coming years. The NBA remains a lucrative investment opportunity, and with each sale, the stakes are raised higher for future transactions.