'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
The NBA is home to some of the most valuable teams in professional sports globally. Although the enforced break due to the COVID-19 pandemic saw a drop in the valuation of most teams, the successful completion of the 2020-21 NBA season boosted a few franchises.
With activities moving back towards normalcy worldwide and in the NBA, things will start to look up for franchises.
All thirty teams in the NBA are collectively worth over $71 billion. However, a few franchises make up the larger chunk. The top ten most valuable teams in the NBA are worth a little over 50% of the total valuation.
Championships, location, player profile, and the overall history of a franchise are some of the factors that have helped teams grow in value. Surprisingly, the most valuable team in the NBA last won a championship in 1973 and missed the playoffs from 2013-2020.
The Chicago Bulls remain one of the top ten most valuable teams, all thanks to the heroics of Michael Jordan. His incredible run in the 90s guaranteed six NBA Championships for the Bulls from 1991-1998.
5 Most valuable NBA franchises as of August 2021
#5 Boston Celtics - $3.18 billion
The Boston Celtics are one of the top two teams with the most NBA Championships. Although most of their victories came in the early years of the league, they remain one of the most storied franchises. With a valuation of $3.18 billion, the Boston Celtics are one of the richest ball clubs in the NBA.
The Boston Celtics once dominated the Eastern Conference but are currently far from their glory days. They last reached the conference finals in 2010 but lost the NBA Championship to their bitter rivals from the West - the LA Lakers.
Regardless, they have won 17 NBA championships, nine conference titles, and 31 Division titles.
#4 Brooklyn Nets - $3.40 billion
The Brooklyn Nets joined the NBA in 1967 but were known as the New York Nets. After moving to New Jersey, they adopted the name New Jersey Nets before finally moving to Brooklyn in 2012.
Although they have failed to win a championship in the NBA, their location and high-profile signings over the years have helped increase the team's valuation. The Brooklyn Nets leaped into the top five following their rather successful 2020-21 campaign.
Their superstar trio of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving have sparked widespread interest in the franchise. They are currently among the favorites to win the 2022 NBA Finals along with the LA Lakers.
Also read: Michael Jordan vs. Lebron James Comparison
#3 LA Lakers - $5.14 billion
The LA Lakers are tied with the Boston Celtics for the most NBA Championships in league history. They are undoubtedly the most successful franchise in the Western Conference.
Rob Pelinka is determined to edge off their bitter rivals as he is well on his way to building a championship team for the 2021-22 NBA season. He has surrounded LeBron James with veteran players that can produce on both ends of the court.
The LA Lakers have 17 NBA championships, 19 conference titles, and 33 Division titles. Kobe Bryant played a significant role in helping the Lakers remain a championship team as he was responsible for bringing trophies to Staples Center in early 2000s.
#2 Golden State Warriors - $5.21 billion
The Golden State Warriors have been the most successful franchise since 2015, winning three of the seven NBA Championships in that period. Their success in recent years played a huge role in their current valuation.
Although they have been on a dry spell since losing the 2019 NBA Finals to the Toronto Raptors, things look good for the Warriors ahead of the 2021-22 season. Klay Thompson's return will be a boost for the team, who will be looking to make another championship run.
Playing out of Chase Center in San Francisco, the Warriors have won six championships, six conference titles and 12 division titles since joining the NBA in 1946.
#1 New York Knicks - $5.42 billion
The New York Knicks would have been worth a lot more if they had half as many NBA championships as the Lakers or made as many NBA Finals appearances as the Warriors in recent years. Nonetheless, they are the most valuable NBA team, worth $5.42 billion.
Although playoff success has eluded the franchise for over four decades, they have managed to handle the business side of things exceptionally well. While it might come as a surprise to many, remember they play out of the famed Madison Square Garden in the heart of Manhattan.
Making the playoffs in the 2020-21 NBA season after a seven-year hiatus helped in boosting the team's value. With the amazing 2021 offseason they are having, they will likely have a deeper run in the 2022 NBA playoffs.
Back-to-back playoff appearances and their impeccable location would see them remain atop this list for at least one more year.
