In Forbes’ annual valuations for each NBA team, the New York Knicks topped the list for the second year in a row. How did everyone else stack up?
Due to national and local TV extensions, an increase in sponsorships, and new apparel deals, the league has enjoyed a surge of success. Here are Forbes’ updated numbers for 2017.
1. New York Knicks: Current value $3.3 billion, revenue $376 million
2. Los Angeles Lakers: Current value: $3.0 billion, revenue: $333 million
3. Golden State Warriors: Current value: $2.6 billion, revenue: $305 million
4. Chicago Bulls: Current value: $2.5 billion, revenue: $232 million
5. Boston Celtics: Current value: $2.2 billion, revenue: $200 million
For the first time in the history of the franchise, the Golden State Warriors are one of the top-five most valuable franchises in the NBA. The rich continue to get richer.
6. Los Angeles Clippers: Current value: $2.0 billion, revenue: $185 million
7. Brooklyn Nets: Current value: $1.8 billion, revenue: $223 million
8. Houston Rockets: Current value: $1.65 billion, revenue: $224 million
9. Dallas Mavericks: Current value: $1.45 billion, revenue: $194 million
10. Miami Heat: Current value: $1.35 billion, revenue: $210 million
11. Cleveland Cavaliers: Current value: $1.2 billion, revenue $233 million
12. San Antonio Spurs: Current value: $1.175 billion, revenue: $187 million
13. Toronto Raptors: Current value: $1.125 billion, revenue: $193 million
14. Pheonix Suns: Current value: $1.1 billion, revenue: $173 million
15. Sacramento Kings: Current value: $1.075 billion, revenue: $164 million
Who would have thought that a fanbase that has watched this franchise miss the playoffs ten years in a row, draft two centers and an unproven shooting guard in their last draft, and deal with constant trade rumors and drama would have jumped three spots from last year? Stay loyal Sacramento.
16. Portland Trail Blazers: Current value: $1.05 billion, revenue: $178 million
17. Oklahoma City Thunder: Current value: $1.025 B, revenue: $187 million
18. Washington Wizards: Current value: $1 billion, revenue: $155 million
19. Orlando Magic: Current value: $920 million, revenue: $166 million
20. Utah Jazz: Current value: $910 million, revenue: $164 million
21. Detriot Pistons: Current value: $900 million, revenue: $172 million
22. Denver Nuggets: Current value: $890 million, revenue: $157 million
23. Atlanta Hawks: Current value: $885 million, revenue: $169 million
24. Indiana Pacers: Current value: $880 million, revenue: $157 million
25. Philidelphia 76ers: Current value: $800 million, revenue: $140 million
Keep an eye on this Sixers’ franchise as they made a $100 million, three place jump from last year. The duo of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, plenty of tradable assets, a big market city, and a rabid fanbase raising plenty of cats, could push this team up the list in a couple of years.
Next: The 20 best NBA players who could be available at the trade deadline
26. Memphis Grizzlies: Current value: $790 million, revenue: $155 million
27. Milwaukee Bucks: Current value: $785 million, revenue: $146 million
28. Charlotte Hornets: Current value: $780 million, revenue: $158 million
29. Minnesota Timberwolves: Current value: $770 million, revenue: $154 million
30. New Orleans Pelicans: Current value: $750 million, revenue: $156 million