Los Angeles Lakers – $5.5 billion
Following the sale of Philip Anschutz’ 27% stake in the Lakers to Mark Walter and Todd Boehly in 2021, the Lakers are now valued at $5.5 billion, according to Forbes. The majority shareholders are still the Jerry Buss family trusts with 66%. With 17 NBA titles to date, it’s not yet clear to see if the changes in the boardroom will pay off on the court.
Golden State Warriors – $5.6 billion
The Golden State Warriors were purchased for a then-record $450 million by Peter Guber and Joe Lacob in 2010. The Warriors are now valued at a massive $5.6 billion, according to Forbes. With the combination of the ‘splash brothers’ Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson and the appointment of Steve Kerr as head coach in 2014, the Golden State Warriors dynasty was born.
Chicago Bears – $5.8 billion
The Forbes $5.8 billion valuation of the Chicago Bears is all the more surreal when you think of how, in 1921, George Halas purchased the team for just $100. Still owned by the Halas family, Gorge Halas’ daughter Virginia Halas McCaskey inherited the team following her father’s death in 1983. The Bears won their only Super Bowl in 1985.
New York Nicks – $5.8 billion
Despite the Forbes valuation of $5.8 billion for the New York Nicks, things still don’t seem right for a team who play in an arena known as the ‘Mecca of Basketball’. Ever since James Dolan, as head of the Madison Square Garden Company, took full ownership in 1997, the Nicks, despite their dollar value rising, have fallen apart as a franchise on the court.
New York Giants – $6 billion
The New York Giants have seen their value increase exponentially over the last decade, thanks partly to their move to the 82,500 capacity MetLife Stadium they share with the New York Jets. Owned by Steve Tisch and John Mara since 2005, the Giants now have four Super Bowl victories to their name.
New York Yankees – $6 billion
The Yankees are ‘the’ franchise in Baseball and Forbes’ valuation of $6 billion reflects that. Winning a record 27 MLB World Series, the Yankees, owned by Yankee Global Enterprises, controlled by the family of the former owner, the late George Steinbrenner, sit atop the baseball valuation rankings.
Washington Commanders – $6.05 billion
Known as the Washington Redskins until 2020, 2023 saw the purchase of the Commanders by a consortium headed by Josh Harris for $6.05 billion, a record price for a purchase of a North American sports team. The sale came after years of mismanagement and investigations concerning former owner Dan Snyder.
Los Angeles Rams – $6.3 billion
Stan Kroenke purchased the Rams for $750 million in 2010 and that valuation has shot up in just over a decade to $6.3 billion, according to Forbes. The franchise is the only one in NFL history to win championships based in three different cities: Cleveland in 1945, Los Angeles in 1951 and 2021, and St. Louis in 1999.
New England Patriots – $6.4 billion
In the years following the 1994 purchase of the Patriots by newspaper magnate Robert Kraft for $172 million, the franchise has enjoyed periods of dominance over the NFL and is valued at $6.4 billion. With Bill Belichick as head coach and Tom Brady as starting quarterback, the Patriots have picked up six Super Bowl Championships under Kraft’s ownership.
Dallas Cowboys – $8 billion
The Dallas Cowboys take the top spot as the world’s most valuable sports team, according to Forbes. The immensely popular team need look no further than its record streak of 190 consecutive sold-out regular and post-season games as to why they are valued at $8 billion.