The impending $12.5 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger is set to dramatically increase the average NBA team valuation to $6.68 billion, a 21% surge.
This landmark deal positions the Golden State Warriors to remain the most valuable team at $13 billion, while the New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls are projected for significant gains.
Lakers Sale Ignites NBA Valuations: Average Team Worth Soars to $6.68 Billion
The basketball world is abuzz following the record-breaking sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, a deal poised to dramatically reshape the financial landscape of the NBA. The pending $12.5 billion transaction, with Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger set to acquire the team from Mark Walter, is projected to elevate the average valuation of an NBA franchise by a remarkable 21%, pushing it to $6.68 billion, according to CNBC's analysis. This surge is a significant jump from earlier valuations, underscoring the immense commercial appeal and investment potential within the league.
The sale, if finalized, would represent an unprecedented multiple of approximately 20 times the Lakers' projected 2025-26 season revenue, setting a new benchmark for NBA team acquisitions. This news comes as CNBC has updated its comprehensive list of NBA team valuations, originally published in February, incorporating the impact of the Lakers deal. The Golden State Warriors are set to retain their position as the league's most valuable franchise, with their valuation climbing to an estimated $13 billion, up from $10.8 billion earlier in the year. Notably, the New York Knicks and the Chicago Bulls are projected to see the most significant percentage increases, each rising by 26% in value.
CNBC's Real-Time NBA Valuations Post-Lakers Deal
CNBC's methodology for these valuations considers a range of critical factors beyond just historical sales data and revenue multiples. These include the economic dynamics of team arenas, the size and strength of the team's local market, and the level of investor interest. These elements combine to provide a nuanced view of each team's financial standing.
| Rank | Team | Real-time Value | Change since 2/13/2026 | February Value | One-Year Value Change (%) | Revenue (2024-25) | EBITDA | Debt as % of Value | Owner(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Golden State Warriors | $13B | 20% | $10.8B | 15% | $840M | $362M | 7% | Joe Lacob, Peter Guber |
| 2 | New York Knicks | $12.7B | 26% | $10.1B | 35% | $619M | $91M | 3% | Madison Square Garden Sports |
| 3 | Los Angeles Lakers | $12.5B | 25% | $10B | 43% | $565M | $158M | 4% | Mark Walter |
| 4 | Los Angeles Clippers | $8.3B | 20% | $6.9B | 28% | $492M | $146M | 3% | Steve Ballmer |
| 5 | Chicago Bulls | $8.1B | 26% | $6.45B | 11% | $413M | $121M | 3% | Jerry Reinsdorf |
| 6 | Houston Rockets | $7.65B | 20% | $6.35B | 11% | $437M | $126M | 3% | Tilman Fertitta |
| 7 | Boston Celtics | $7.5B | 19% | $6.3B | 15% | $439M | $-15M | 3% | William Chisholm |
| 8 | Philadelphia 76ers | $7.35B | 20% | $6.1B | 24% | $425M | $125M | 3% | Josh Harris, David Blitzer |
| 9 | Miami Heat | $7.3B | 21% | $6.05B | 19% | $420M | $96M | 7% | Micky Arison |
| 10 | Brooklyn Nets | $7.1B | 18% | $6B | 7% | $409M | $80M | 13% | Joe Tsai |
| 11 | Dallas Mavericks | $6.7B | 22% | $5.5B | 10% | $356M | $-26M | 4% | Miriam Adelson and Patrick and Sivan Dumont, Mark Cuban |
| 12 | Atlanta Hawks | $6.35B | 18% | $5.4B | 26% | $448M | $103M | 4% | Tony Ressler, Jami Gertz |
| 13 | Toronto Raptors | $6.4B | 20% | $5.35B | 19% | $383M | $103M | 4% | Rogers Communications, Larry Tanenbaum |
| 14 | Phoenix Suns | $6.3B | 19% | $5.3B | 15% | $399M | $-81M | 6% | Mat Ishbia, Justin Ishbia |
| 15 | Sacramento Kings | $6.2B | 18% | $5.25B | 18% | $450M | $90M | 13% | Vivek Ranadivé |
| 16 | Cleveland Cavaliers | $6.1B | 18% | $5.15B | 18% | $438M | $121M | 4% | Dan Gilbert |
| 17 | Washington Wizards | $5.75B | 19% | $4.85B | 14% | $373M | $118M | 4% | Ted Leonsis |
| 18 | Denver Nuggets | $5.6B | 19% | $4.7B | 12% | $398M | $74M | 3% | Stan Kroenke |
| 19 | Milwaukee Bucks | $5.4B | 20% | $4.5B | 10% | $358M | $0M | 7% | Wes Edens and Jamie Dinan, Jimmy and Dee Haslam |
| 20 | Utah Jazz | $5.25B | 21% | $4.35B | 16% | $385M | $116M | 7% | Ryan Smith, Ashley Smith |
| 21 | San Antonio Spurs | $5.2B | 21% | $4.3B | 16% | $353M | $103M | 5% | Holt family, Sixth Street Partners |
| 22 | Oklahoma City Thunder | $5.15B | 21% | $4.25B | 21% | $371M | $97M | 5% | Clayton Bennett, George Kaiser |
| 23 | Indiana Pacers | $5.1B | 21% | $4.2B | 24% | $394M | $113M | 5% | Herb Simon and Stephen Simon, Steven Rales |
| 24 | Portland Trail Blazers | $5B | 22% | $4.1B | 12% | $315M | $15M | 4% | Paul G. Allen Trust |
| 25 | Orlando Magic | $5.05B | 25% | $4.05B | 14% | $334M | $97M | 5% | DeVos family |
| 26 | Detroit Pistons | $4.9B | 23% | $4B | 16% | $331M | $114M | 5% | Tom Gores |
| 27 | Charlotte Hornets | $4.75B | 22% | $3.9B | 16% | $326M | $61M | 8% | Rich Schnall, Gabe Plotkin |
| 28 | New Orleans Pelicans | $4.6B | 19% | $3.85B | 17% | $328M | $83M | 6% | Gayle Benson |
| 29 | Minnesota Timberwolves | $4.65B | 22% | $3.8B | 17% | $339M | $-56M | 6% | Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez |
| 30 | Memphis Grizzlies | $4.55B | 21% | $3.75B | 17% | $330M | $77M | 9% | Robert Pera |
The ripple effect of this major transaction highlights the booming market for professional sports franchises and the significant financial growth experienced across the NBA. As the league continues to attract high-profile investors and achieve record valuations, the economic power of basketball is undeniable.
Related news includes reports on other major sports franchise valuations, such as the Atlanta Falcons potentially being valued at $10.6 billion, and insights into investment strategies within global sports like soccer, even amidst rising club losses.
