Most Valuable NBA Franchises in the season 2021-22

The season 2021-22 is the first time ever that three NBA franchises are worth more than $5 billion. The New York Knicks (No. 1), Golden State Warriors (No. 2) and Los Angeles Lakers (No. 3) all rank in the top 10 in value and generate the most revenue because of their lucrative local television deals and arenas that produce piles of cash from luxury seating and advertising.

But this year’s list is a bit different—it includes several teams that have been hit hard by injuries, as well as others who have struggled to get back into playoff contention after losing elite players to injury. 

Despite a pandemic that kept arenas mostly empty during the 2020-21 season, the average value of an NBA franchise has risen 13%, to $2.48 billion, since Forbes’ last set of valuations, published in February.

Per Forbes:

Ranking Team Estimated value
1. Knicks $5.8 billion
2. Warriors $5.6 billion
3. Lakers $5.5 billion
4. Bulls $3.65 billion
5. Celtics $3.55 billion
6. Clippers $3.3 billion
7. Nets $3.2 billion
8. Rockets $2.75 billion
9. Mavericks $2.7 billion
10. Raptors $2.48 billion
11. 76ers $2.45 billion
12. Heat $2.3 billion
13. Trail Blazers $2.05 billion
14. Kings $2 billion
15. Spurs $1.98 billion
16. Wizards $1.93 billion
17. Bucks $1.9 billion
18. Suns $1.8 billion
19. Jazz $1.75 billion
20. Nuggets $1.73 billion
21. Hawks $1.68 billion
22. Pacers $1.67 billion
23. Cavaliers $1.65 billion
24. Magic $1.64 billion
25. Thunder $1.63 billion
26. Pistons $1.58 billion
27. Hornets $1.575 billion
28. Timberwolves $1.55 billion
29. Pelicans $1.53 billion
30. Grizzlies $1.5 billion