5 Most Valuable Teams in the NBA

In the US, basketball is one of the most popular and lucrative sports. The 30 teams currently hosted by the NBA and their players are some of the biggest money-makers in the sports industry. But who are the best of the best?

Following, we would like to present you with a list we have compiled of the top 5 most valuable NBA teams, according to the figures released earlier this month by Forbes Magazine. Curious to see if your favorite team is amongst the most profitable in the league? Let’s take a look at the countdown.

No.5: Dallas Mavericks

Value: $685 million
Profit: $13 million

Mark Cuban is probably the most marketing-oriented team owner in the history of the NBA. But while his team isn’t quite yet NBA’s most valuable, it still made it in the top 5. But how did the Mavericks make money in 2013? Well, they had an impressive 12 playoff appearances in a row, which translated into a nice paycheck. In addition, Dirk Nowitzki appearances also help boost the team’s popularity. Despite the high payrolls, the Dallas Mavericks have scored quite the profit in 2013 and there’s no sign that is going to stop anytime soon.

No.4: Boston Celtics

CelticsWordmark

Value: $730 million
Profit: $19 million

The Celtics made a decent profit last season, for various reasons. For one, they have the third highest ticket price in the NBA – $69 on average. Secondly, they signed a new rights deal with Sun Life Financial Inc. (USA) (NYSE:SLF). And thirdly, the Celtics also raised some cash by bringing in Rob Hale, a new investor.

No.3: Chicago Bulls

Chicago BullsPublic Domain Image: Public Domain

Value: $800 million
Profit: $34 million

Chicago Bulls has been the most popular NBA team in 2013, as it scored the highest attendance rate for the third year consecutively. On average, 22,161 people came to cheer on the Bulls every single match. In addition, ratings on CSN Chicago increased in comparison to 2012, which meant that the Bulls cashed in more money. With such a positive track record, one can only assume that the Bulls will keep up the pace in 2014.

No.2: Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers

Value: $1 billion
Profit: $48 million

The Los Angeles Lakers are preparing for yet another great season, but play-wise and moneywise. With a new TV rights deal just signed with Time Warner Cable Inc (NYSE:TWC), revenues are expected to increase substantially in 2014. The deal is worth a reported $3.6 billion according to Forbes Magazine. 2013 has also been a particularly productive year, as the 16-time champions were awarded once again with the highest payroll in the league.

No. 1: New York Knicks

NewYorkKnicks

Value: $1.1 billion
Profit: $83 million

Though the Knicks have had a good 2013 season, experts predict that 2014 will be an even better year for the New York natives. The main reason for this is the completion of the Madison Square Garden, a renovation project valued at nearly $1 billion set to end in summer 2014.