The National Basketball Association is arguably the most global major league in sports. People from all over the world enjoy NBA hoops year after year, which obviously makes the most valuable NBA teams a lot of money.
Apparel, jersey sells, TV rights, you name it. These guys really know how to make money. In fact, NBA franchises' values continue to rise on a yearly basis. Nowadays, you'll need around $2.12 billion to buy an NBA team, according to Forbes.
And, contrary to what people may think, the NBA's richest teams aren't always the most successful. Apparently, the value of an NBA franchise has a lot to do with the market they're located into, as well as their historical relevance.
So, now that the Forbes' most valuable NBA teams list is out there and updated, we're going to let you know about the wealthiest franchise in professional basketball, in case you have a buck to spare.
9. Dallas Mavericks
Value: $2.4 Billion
The Dallas Mavericks are known around the league for being a top-notch organization. Mark Cuban makes sure to take well care of all their employees, from the maintenance crew to the team's superstar.
Cuban being one of the world's most successful businessmen, it's not unusual to see the Mavericks' value continue to grow over the years. It's crazy to think that he bought them in 200 for just $285 million.
8. Houston Rockets
Value: $2.48 Billion
Back in the day, the Houston Rockets had to relocate from San Diego to Houston as they were sinking in debt and struggling to develop a fanbase. Now, they're the 8th most valuable NBA team. Funny how life goes.
The Rockets haven't won an NBA championship since 1995 but have now become perennial title contenders. They also have a huge fanbase in Asia thanks to Yao Ming's tenure with the team.
7. Brooklyn Nets
Value: $2.5 Billion
The Brooklyn Nets are doing an outstanding job at building a world-class organization from top to bottom. They're becoming a prime destination for the best free agents in the league, given the fact that they have the perks of New York City on a team that can actually compete.
The Nets are gathering more fans as days goes by and they hope to challenge the Knicks for the supremacy of the city some years from now. Team owner Joseph Tsai has invested a lot of money but it's definitely paid off, with Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant jumping on board.
6. Los Angeles Clippers
Value: $2.6 Billion
Steve Ballmer had a lot of work to do when he first bought the Los Angeles Clippers. The team was coming off a huge controversy with former owner Donald Sterling, who was handed a lifetime ban from the NBA due to some racist comments towards Magic Johnson.
The Clippers have done a great job of building a new winning identity. They've also purchased their own arena to stop sharing the Staples Center with the Lakers and build a fanbase of their own. They're now one of the league's finest organizations after just 6 years.
5. Boston Celtics
Value: $3.1 Billion
The Boston Celtics have always been a synonym to winning. They don't tolerate failure and are constantly finding ways to build a competitive squad, and that's why they have one of the biggest fanbases in the world.
Danny Ainge has done a great job of putting together this team and keeping the Celtics' brand rising high in one of the nation's biggest sports town. They haven't made it to the Finals in over a decade, though.
4. Chicago Bulls
Value: $3.2 Billion
Back in the day, the Chicago Bulls were a struggling franchise. They didn't win many games and fans weren't that sold on the team but it all changed when a guy called Michael Jordan showed up in the mid-'80s.
Jordan made the Bulls the ultimate global brand. People from all across the globe rooted for the greatest player ever as they won 6 championships over 8 years. They haven't found that kind of success lately but they continue to be one of the NBA's richest teams thanks to Jordan.
3. Golden State Warriors
Value: $4.3 Billion
The Golden State Warriors were far from the best or more popular team in the world 10 years ago. Now, they're the third most valuable NBA franchise after building the strongest dynasty in basketball since Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Lakers.
The Warriors' fanbase grew astronomically over the past couple of years as the team went on to make it to 5 consecutive NBA Finals and win 3 NBA championships. Stephen Curry & Klay Thompson, A.K.A 'The Splash Brothers' should get most of the credit for this.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Value: $4.4 Billion
The Los Angeles Lakers have always been near the top of the most valuable NBA teams and for good reason. They're the second-winningest team in NBA history with 16 rings and they've had the most basketball legends on their roster. Just the cream of the crop gets to wear the purple and gold.
Los Angeles is a huge market and the Lakers' legendary teams made them millions of fans all around the world. And now that LeBron James and Anthony Davis are on board, it's just a matter of time before they become the richest team in the NBA.
1. New York Knicks
Value: $4.6 Billion
The New York Knicks haven't won the NBA championship since 1973. Moreover, they haven't even made the playoffs since 2013 or the Finals since 1999. James Dolan's management has been questionable, to say the least; yet they continue to be the most valuable team in the NBA.
The Madison Square Garden is basketball's mecca. Every player on earth dreams about playing in the Big Apple, regardless of is the team is competitive or not. Hopefully, they'll turn the franchise around and finally give their fans a reason to be excited about the season.
