$10 Billion Lakers Deal: Ranking The Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Team Buyouts

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 21, 2025

4.4

Share

$10 Billion Lakers Deal? Ranking the Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Team Buyouts

The potential $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers has sent shockwaves through the sports world, sparking conversations about the exorbitant valuations of major sports franchises. While the reported figure remains unconfirmed, the sheer magnitude underscores a fascinating trend: the ever-increasing cost of owning a top-tier sports team. This isn't just about money; it's about legacy, global branding, and the immense potential for return on investment. Let's dive into the top 10 most expensive sports team buyouts ever recorded, placing the potential Lakers deal into context.

The $10 Billion Question: Fact or Fiction?

Before we explore the list, it's crucial to acknowledge that the $10 billion figure surrounding the Lakers is, as of this writing, unconfirmed. Numerous reputable sources are reporting varying figures, highlighting the complexities and secrecy surrounding such monumental transactions. However, the mere suggestion of such a high valuation reflects the immense value associated with owning a team with the Lakers' global reach and historical significance.

Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Team Buyouts:

This ranking considers confirmed sale prices and adjusts for inflation where necessary to provide a fair comparison across different years. It focuses primarily on full team ownership buyouts, excluding partial ownership changes.

1. Washington Commanders (NFL): While the exact figure remains undisclosed, estimates place the recent sale well above $6 billion, making it the most expensive sports team sale to date. This highlights the growing value of NFL franchises.

2. Brooklyn Nets (NBA): The sale of the Nets to Joe Tsai in 2019 is estimated to be around $3.5 billion. This valuation reflected the franchise's potential in the lucrative New York market.

3. Denver Broncos (NFL): The Walton-Penner Family Ownership group purchased the Denver Broncos for a staggering $4.65 billion in 2022, showcasing the intense competition for NFL teams.

4. Chelsea F.C. (Premier League): Todd Boehly's acquisition of Chelsea Football Club in 2022 for approximately £4.25 billion (around $5.2 billion USD at the time) exemplifies the massive investment in top European football clubs.

5. Atlanta Braves (MLB): Liberty Media's acquisition of the Atlanta Braves involved a complex transaction, but the implied valuation at the time was significant, estimated to be around $3 Billion.

6. Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB): The Guggenheim Baseball Management purchase of the Dodgers in 2012 was a landmark deal, reported to be around $2 billion.

7. Golden State Warriors (NBA): The sale of the Golden State Warriors to a group led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber exceeded $1 billion, showing the rapid growth in NBA franchise values.

8. Dallas Mavericks (NBA): Mark Cuban's purchase of the Dallas Mavericks in 2000 marked a significant investment that has grown exponentially in value.

9. New York Mets (MLB): Steve Cohen's record-breaking purchase of the New York Mets in 2020 highlighted the growing demand for MLB teams in major markets.

10. Philadelphia 76ers (NBA): While not one of the most recent purchases, the ownership group led by Josh Harris' acquisition established a high bar for NBA team valuations.

Factors Driving the Rising Cost of Sports Teams:

Several factors contribute to the astronomical valuations of these sports franchises:

• Media Rights: Lucrative television and streaming deals generate massive revenue streams for teams.
• Global Branding: These teams possess immense global recognition, generating revenue from merchandising and sponsorships worldwide.
• Stadium Revenue: The revenue generated from stadium operations, including luxury boxes and concessions, significantly adds to a team's value.
• Real Estate: The value of the land on which the stadiums are located often contributes to the overall valuation.

The Future of Sports Team Ownership:

The potential $10 billion Lakers deal, even if ultimately lower, signifies the ongoing trend of increasing valuations in professional sports. Expect to see even higher prices in the future as competition for owning these iconic franchises intensifies.

Call to Action: What do you think is the future of sports team ownership? Share your thoughts in the comments below!