Lakers, Knicks and Bulls make up the top three…
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Forbes has released new estimates on the franchise value of NBA teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers leading the way at $2.6 billion.
The figures rose an average of 72 percent in one year, the biggest one-year value gain since Forbes started estimating team prices in 1998 with Steve Ballmer’s purchase of the Los Angeles Clippers at a league-record $2 billion credited with helping the rise.
The Lakers, New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls are all now estimated to be worth at least $2 billion while eight other teams are worth more than $1 billion.
Even though Ballmer paid $2 billion for the Clippers, Forbes values the team at $1.6 billion, fifth among teams, immediately following the fourth-ranked Boston Celtics ($1.7 billion).
The Brooklyn Nets (who are currently on the market) came in sixth at $1.5 billion, followed by the Golden State Warriors ($1.3 billion), Houston Rockets ($1.25 billion), Miami Heat ($1.175 billion), Dallas Mavericks ($1.15 billion) and San Antonio Spurs ($1 billion). Last year, when Forbes valued the Mavs at $765 million, owner Mark Cuban called it “way too low,” saying it was worth more than $1 billion.
Back in October, the league announced a new television deal with ESPN and Turner that is worth $2.66 billion a year which is a 186 percent increase from its current TV rights deal and that in turn has undoubtedly had an impact on the franchises and players.
Most valuable NBA franchises:
Los Angeles Lakers – $2.6 billion
New York Knicks – $2.5 billion
Chicago Bulls – $2.0 billion
Boston Celtics – $1.7 billion
Los Angeles Clippers – $1.6 billion
Brooklyn Nets – $1.5 billion
Golden State Warriors – $1.3 billion
Houston Rockets – $1.25 billion
Miami Heat – $1.17 billion
Dallas Mavericks – $1.15 billion
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