The Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Franchises Sold: Lakers Set New Record At $10 Billion

David

3 min read

Post on Jun 21, 2025

4.9

Share

Lakers Set Record: Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Franchises Sold

The world of professional sports is a big business, and nowhere is that more evident than in the record-breaking sale of the Los Angeles Lakers. At a staggering $10 billion, the Lakers have not only cemented their place as the most valuable sports franchise ever sold, but they’ve also rewritten the rules of the game when it comes to sports valuations. This monumental sale reshapes the landscape of sports ownership and underscores the immense financial power driving the industry.

This unprecedented deal eclipses previous records and signals a new era of sky-high valuations for top-tier sports teams. But the Lakers aren't alone at the top. Several other franchises have fetched incredible prices, reflecting the global appeal and lucrative revenue streams associated with major league sports. Let's dive into the top 10 most expensive sports franchises ever sold:

Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Franchises Sold (2024 Estimates)

This list combines recent sales with valuations based on Forbes' most recent estimates and industry analyses. Keep in mind that these figures can fluctuate depending on various factors.

1. Los Angeles Lakers (NBA): $10 Billion (2024) – A new benchmark for sports franchise valuations.
2. Dallas Cowboys (NFL): $8 Billion (Estimated 2024) – Consistently ranked among the most valuable NFL teams.
3. New York Yankees (MLB): $7 Billion (Estimated 2024) – A historic franchise with a massive global fanbase.
4. Golden State Warriors (NBA): $6.5 Billion (Estimated 2024) – Recent championship success significantly boosts value.
5. Manchester United (Premier League): $6 Billion (Estimated 2024) – Global football giant with a vast international following.
6. Real Madrid (La Liga): $5.5 Billion (Estimated 2024) – One of the most recognizable football clubs in the world.
7. New England Patriots (NFL): $5 Billion (Estimated 2024) – Longstanding success and strong brand recognition.
8. New York Knicks (NBA): $5 Billion (Estimated 2024) – Playing in a major market significantly increases value.
9. Los Angeles Rams (NFL): $4.8 Billion (2023) – Recent Super Bowl win contributed to this high valuation.
10. Brooklyn Nets (NBA): $4.5 Billion (Estimated 2024) – Located in a major media market with a growing fanbase.

Factors Driving Record-High Sports Franchise Values

Several factors contribute to the astronomical prices these franchises command:

• Lucrative Media Rights: Massive television deals and streaming contracts generate billions in revenue.
• Global Fanbases: Teams with international appeal attract a wider range of sponsors and merchandise sales.
• Stadium Revenue: Luxury suites, concessions, and naming rights significantly impact profitability.
• Merchandising and Licensing: Team-branded apparel and merchandise create substantial income streams.
• Strategic Investments: Ownership groups often invest heavily in team improvements and infrastructure.

What the Lakers Sale Means for the Future of Sports

The Lakers' record-breaking sale signals a trend: expect even higher valuations for top sports franchises in the coming years. This surge in value highlights the ever-growing economic power of professional sports and the intense competition for ownership of these lucrative assets. The future of sports ownership appears to be characterized by increasingly ambitious valuations and the continued dominance of global brands.

Call to Action: What do you think the next record-breaking sports franchise sale will be? Share your predictions in the comments below!