Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Teams in History: NBA Dominates the List
Discover the top 10 most expensive sports teams in history, with NBA franchises like the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics leading the list.

The Los Angeles Lakers are poised to become the most expensive sports team in history with a proposed $10 billion sale to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter. This deal would surpass the Dallas Cowboys' valuation of $10.1 billion, although the Cowboys were last sold in 1989. The Boston Celtics, another NBA powerhouse, were sold for $6.1 billion earlier this year, setting a previous record.
NBA Dominance in Sports Team Valuations
The NBA continues to dominate the list of the most expensive sports teams, with the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics leading the pack. The Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Charlotte Hornets also feature prominently, showcasing the league's financial strength.
Other Notable Sales
- Washington Commanders (American football): $6.05 billion
- Chelsea (Football): $5.4 billion
- Denver Broncos (American football): $4.65 billion
English Football Teams
Chelsea's sale to Clearlake Capital and Todd Boehly for $5.4 billion is the fourth highest in sports history. Manchester United, valued at $6.55 billion, is the most valuable English football team but ranks 14th globally. Liverpool and Manchester City also appear in Forbes' most valuable sports teams list.
Top 10 Highest Sports Team Sales
- Los Angeles Lakers (Basketball): $10bn
- Boston Celtics (Basketball): $6.1bn
- Washington Commanders (American football): $6.05bn
- Chelsea (Football): $5.4bn
- Denver Broncos (American football): $4.65bn
- Phoenix Suns/Phoenix Mercury (Basketball): $4bn
- Dallas Mavericks (Basketball): $3.5bn
- Charlotte Hornets (Basketball): $3bn
- New York Mets (Baseball): $2.4bn
- Carolina Panthers (American football): $2.275bn
Figures are based on the highest sports team sales and at the Los Angeles Lakers' expected sale price.
This article highlights the financial landscape of sports teams, with a particular focus on the NBA's significant presence in the top valuations.