The Five Most Valuable NBA Franchises in the Sport Today
Basketball goes beyond being a game; it’s a billion-dollar industry that rakes in the cash from various streams such as sponsorships, TV deals, and ticket sales. A recent Forbes study shows the top 30 NBA teams grossed $8.3 billion in revenue in 2019, and the value of franchises keeps rising phenomenally. Teams are being sold like hotcakes.
When it comes to the court, rather than the boardroom, the Denver Nuggets have secured their status as the best team in the world with a 4-1 series victory over the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals. Spurred on by the brilliance of Serbian sensation Nikola Jokić, the Colorado-based outfit secured the top spot in the Western Conference throughout the regular season with a stunning 53-29 record. They then converted their top-seed status into a first Larry O’Brien Trophy in franchise history and bookmakers on whose websites you can follow the latest NBA betting odds and futures, have made them the +500 second favorites to retain their crown next season.
The Nuggets, however, do not feature in this list. So, who are the top five valuable NBA franchises in the sport today? Let’s take a look.
New York Knicks
When it comes to enthralling and prestigious sports organizations, the New York Knicks are on another level. They are well-known within the NBA and beyond as one of the oldest and most storied basketball teams. It’s understandable that they have a passionately devoted fan base and a stellar track record given their astounding $5 billion market value.
This outstanding number demonstrates the team’s ongoing attractiveness and the challenging work of their management. It’s difficult to dispute the enormous worth of this legendary NBA team, whether you’re a die-hard Knicks fan or just enjoy the finest that sports have to offer.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers are truly a team that needs no introduction. In the NBA as well as the broader sports industry, their name and reputation precede them. They are the second most valuable NBA club, valued at a stunning $5.14 billion by Forbes, thus their franchise value is no joke. But what sets the Lakers apart from other valuable teams?
The LA Lakers seem to have it all going for them. Maybe it’s their star power history with legends like Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. Perhaps it’s their unwavering fan base that spans generations. It could even be that their flashy Hollywood surroundings just make them appeal to everyone. Whatever you decide to call it, the Lakers are a fun team to watch and unquestionably will continue to be a top NBA competitor for years to come.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors are a thrilling group of basketball greats, and both on and off the floor, their success is evident. The Dubs have established themselves as one of the most prosperous teams in NBA history because of their several championship wins. However, the team’s impact goes far beyond their performance.
The Golden State Warriors are well-known in the sports world for more than simply their basketball prowess. They prioritize social responsibility and giving back to the community, setting a new benchmark for business conduct. Plus, their innovative investments in technology are helping them stand out from their rivals. With their winning record and creative approach, the Warriors have secured their place as one of the most valuable NBA teams.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets are one major leaguer in the NBA, with big names like James Harden, Kyrie Irving, and Kevin Durant donning their famous jerseys in recent years. Their unique persona and enormous value stem from a blend of their environment and hard-to-beat team.
The Brooklyn Nets have a big fanbase of sports enthusiasts always cheering for the team’s success thanks to their prime location in the heart of Brooklyn. Plus, with an ownership group dedicated to investing in the team’s future, the Nets’ value will likely continue to rise in the years ahead. Combining all these factors means that the Nets are a top NBA franchise, and they will no doubt keep crushing it for many seasons to come.
Boston Celtics
Rounding out our list are the Boston Celtics, and let’s face it, that’s unsurprising, to say the least. The TD Garden side is the most successful team in the history of the NBA, racking up a mighty 17 championships over the years, a number that can only be matched by the Los Angeles Lakers. Throughout the 1960s, the Celtics were utterly dominant, winning nine titles throughout the decade.
In the last two seasons, they have returned to their best courtesy of the emergence of Jayson Tatum. He led his side to the NBA Finals last term for the first time in over a decade however, they were eventually downed by the Golden State Warriors. This year, they made it to the Eastern Conference finals, only to fall three games down to the bottom seed Miami Heat.
The Celtics powered their way back to three games apiece, only to lose 4-3 in the final game due to the brilliance of Jimmy Butler. They are the favorites for the title next season however, and it remains to be seen whether they can finally break their jinx and claim a first championship since 2008.
