Andrew Pace
The value of basketball franchises has been on a steady rise, with the average NBA franchise worth $4.66 billion, according to CNBC. This value varies across franchises, with the Golden State Warriors valued at $9.4 billion, making them the most valuable NBA franchise. The Warriors own their home arena, San Francisco's Chase Center, which brings in revenue from non-NBA events, and they also earn nearly $200 million in sponsorship revenue. The New York Knicks and Los Angeles Lakers are also among the most valuable franchises, with the Knicks valued at $7.5 billion and the Lakers at $7.1 billion. The value of NBA franchises is determined by multiples of revenue, with NBA teams typically valued at somewhere between 10 to 13 times their revenue.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Most valuable NBA franchise in 2025 | Golden State Warriors |
| Value of Golden State Warriors in 2025 | $8.8 billion |
| Second most valuable NBA franchise in 2025 | New York Knicks |
| Value of New York Knicks in 2025 | $7.5 billion |
| Third most valuable NBA franchise in 2025 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| Value of Los Angeles Lakers in 2025 | $7.1 billion |
| Average value of an NBA franchise in 2023 | $3.85 billion |
| Average value of an NBA franchise in 2025 | $4.4 billion to $4.66 billion |
| Biggest reason for the rising value of NBA franchises | Increase in national media rights |
| Most valuable NBA franchise in 2023 | Golden State Warriors |
| Value of Golden State Warriors in 2023 | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
The Golden State Warriors are worth $9.4 billion
The Golden State Warriors are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, worth a staggering $9.4 billion. This valuation is a far cry from the $450 million paid for the franchise back in 2010, demonstrating an impressive 24% compound annual growth rate. The Warriors' value has been driven by a number of factors, including their ownership of their home arena, San Francisco's Chase Center, which generates revenue from non-NBA events and sponsorship deals. The team's success on the court, with stars like Stephen Curry, has also contributed to their financial success, with the Warriors raking in $781 million in revenue during the 2023-24 season, the highest in the NBA.
The Warriors' value has been steadily increasing over the years, with Forbes ranking them as the most valuable NBA team for three consecutive years. In 2024, Forbes estimated the Warriors' value to be $8.8 billion, already placing them at the top of the league. The average NBA franchise is worth around $4.4 to $4.6 billion, with only a few other clubs valued at over $7 billion. This includes the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers, who are valued at $7.5 billion and $7.1 billion, respectively.
The Warriors' success and value have been further bolstered by their international popularity, particularly in East Asia, following visits by players like Steph and Klay. The NBA's new media rights deals with major networks and streaming platforms have also contributed to the rising tide of valuations for all franchises. The league's latest media rights package is worth a reported $76 billion over 11 years, a significant increase from previous deals.
The Warriors' value and revenue have grown exponentially since 2010, and their success on and off the court has solidified their position as the most valuable NBA franchise. With a strong business model, popular players, and a state-of-the-art arena, the Warriors have become a powerhouse in the NBA, setting a high bar for franchise value in the league.
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The value of NBA franchises is increasing
The Golden State Warriors, the most valuable NBA franchise, are worth $9.4 billion. The Warriors generated $781 million in revenue during the 2023-24 season, the highest in the NBA. They own their home arena, San Francisco's Chase Center, which brings in additional revenue from non-NBA events, and they earned nearly $200 million in sponsorship revenue last season, nearly double that of any other team. The value of the Warriors has increased at a 24% compound annual growth rate since Joe Lacob and Peter Guber purchased the team in 2010 for $450 million.
The increase in national media rights has been cited as a significant contributor to the rising value of NBA franchises. In July 2025, the NBA agreed to a new media rights package worth $76 billion over 11 years, beginning with the 2025-26 season. This represents an average annual value of $6.9 billion, a nearly 160% increase from the current deal. The league has also renewed its uniform and apparel deal with Nike for more money and added partners in new categories, such as Kendall-Jackson wine and Skims shapewear.
The NBA is experiencing faster international growth than domestic, and the entry of private equity and institutional investors in 2020 has provided existing team owners with greater liquidity. Additionally, several teams are investing in new or significantly renovated arenas, which historically has resulted in increased revenue. For example, the Golden State Warriors moved to the Chase Center in San Francisco and saw their local revenue increase from an estimated $440 million in 2018-19 to over $700 million in 2023-24.
The NBA's popularity is at an all-time high, as reflected in various business metrics, and the league's financial outlook remains positive, with franchise values expected to continue their upward trajectory.
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The average NBA franchise is worth $4.66 billion
The relentless rise in revenue has pushed the average value of NBA franchises higher. Forbes estimates that no team would sell for less than $3 billion, and three clubs are worth at least $7 billion: the Golden State Warriors ($8.8 billion), the New York Knicks ($7.5 billion), and the Los Angeles Lakers ($7.1 billion). The NBA's least valuable franchise, the Memphis Grizzlies, is still valued at $3.2 billion. The value of NBA franchises is also impacted by the revenue generated from arenas, with the Warriors, for example, earning revenue from non-NBA events at their home arena, the Chase Center in San Francisco.
The NBA has also renewed its uniform and apparel deal with Nike and added partners in new categories, such as Kendall-Jackson wine and Skims shapewear. The league's credit rating remains solid, and the entry of private equity and institutional investors has provided greater liquidity for team owners. The NBA is experiencing faster international growth than domestic expansion, and the new media deals with ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video are expected to further boost the league's financial prospects.
The value of NBA franchises has been increasing, with the Golden State Warriors, the most valuable team for the third consecutive year, witnessing a 24% compound annual growth rate since Joe Lacob and Peter Guber purchased the franchise for $450 million in 2010. The Warriors generated $781 million in revenue during the 2023-24 season, the highest in the NBA, and earned nearly $200 million in sponsorship revenue, almost double that of any other team. The Warriors' success, combined with their ownership of their home arena and the ability to generate revenue from non-NBA events, has contributed to their high valuation of $9.4 billion.
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The New York Knicks are worth $7.5 billion
The New York Knicks are one of the most valuable franchises in the NBA. In 2024, Forbes valued the Knicks at $7.5 billion, making them the fifth most valuable team in all of sports. This valuation marked a 14% increase from the previous year, when the franchise was valued at $6.6 billion.
The Knicks are part of the Eastern Conference of the NBA and were established in 1946. They are owned by the Madison Square Garden Company, which also owns the WNBA's New York Liberty and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. The team plays its home games at Madison Square Garden, which has a capacity of almost 20,000 for basketball games. During the 2023/24 season, the Knicks generated $543 billion in revenue and $175 million in gate receipts.
The value of the Knicks can be attributed in part to their location in New York City, the most valuable media market in the world. The team has also benefited from the NBA's lucrative media rights deals with major networks and streaming platforms, which have contributed to the rising tide of NBA franchise valuations. In addition, the Knicks have sought to increase their revenue through partnerships with sponsors such as Experience Abu Dhabi, which was announced as their new jersey patch sponsor before the 2024-25 season.
While the Knicks have historically been a valuable franchise, their on-court performance has not always reflected this. Despite being eliminated in the conference semifinals in 2024, the team still maintained its high valuation. This suggests that the Knicks' value may be driven by factors beyond their win-loss record, such as their strong brand recognition and loyal fan base.
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The Los Angeles Lakers are worth $7.1 billion
As of 2024, the Los Angeles Lakers are worth $7.1 billion, making them the third most valuable NBA franchise. The Lakers trail the Golden State Warriors, worth $8.8 billion, and the New York Knicks, worth $7.5 billion. Forbes estimates that no NBA team would sell for less than $3 billion, and only three clubs are worth at least $7 billion.
The relentless rise in revenue has sent the value of NBA franchises skyward, with the average franchise now worth $4.4 billion, a 15% increase from the previous year. The NBA's biggest financial driver is its new media deals with ABC/ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video, worth a reported $76 billion over 11 years. The league has also renewed its uniform and apparel deal with Nike for more money and added partners like Kendall-Jackson wine and Skims shapewear.
The Lakers' value can be attributed to their strong brand and large market. The team has a dedicated fan base and is one of the most popular NBA teams worldwide. The Lakers have also benefited from playing in the Staples Center, a modern arena with good transport links, which has likely increased their revenue. Additionally, the Lakers have had success on the court in recent years, with the team winning the NBA championship in 2020.
The Lakers' value could continue to rise in the future, especially if they continue to invest in their arena and maximize revenues. The team's success and popularity have made them a sought-after brand for partnerships and sponsorships, further increasing their value. While the Lakers are already one of the most valuable NBA franchises, their worth is likely to remain strong and grow in the coming years.
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Frequently asked questions
The Golden State Warriors are the most valuable basketball franchise, with a net worth of $9.4 billion.
The Golden State Warriors generated $781 million in revenue during the 2023-24 season, the highest in the NBA.
The Golden State Warriors are owned by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, who bought the team for $450 million in 2010.
The New York Knicks ($7.5 billion) and the Los Angeles Lakers ($7.1 billion) are the second and third most valuable franchises, respectively.
The value of a basketball franchise is influenced by market size, stadium deals, and local TV partnerships. Owning their arenas can also increase a team's revenue and, consequently, their value.
