Most Valuable NBA Teams 2024: Welcome to the exciting world of the NBA, where amazing plays and big money collide! As we gear up for the 2024 season, let’s take a closer look at the financial side of things. We’re going to explore the top 20 most valuable NBA teams, the ones with the biggest impact on the basketball business.
Think of iconic places like Madison Square Garden, home of the New York Knicks, and the star-studded Staples Center, where the Los Angeles Lakers play. Each team has a special mix of fan excitement, market strength, and business smarts. We’ll break down what makes these teams so valuable, whether it’s their history of winning, global popularity, or smart business deals. Get ready to discover which teams are masters at turning basketball success into big bucks.
Most Valuable NBA Teams 2024
So, put on your jerseys, grab some snacks, and let’s dive into the financial side of the NBA. The real competition isn’t just on the court—it’s in the offices where these basketball empires make their money moves.
1. Golden State Warriors
- Current Value: $7.7 B
- Debt/Value (%): 14
- Revenue: $765 M
- Operating Income: $79 M
The Golden State Warriors are the most valuable NBA team in 2024. They play in the NBA’s Western Conference as part of the Pacific Division. The team was originally founded in 1946 in Philadelphia and later moved to the San Francisco Bay Area in 1962.
The Warriors have a rich history, winning their first championship in 1947 and claiming another in 1956. They faced challenges in the 1980s but returned to success in the 2010s, winning championships in 2015, 2017, and 2018. Led by star players like Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, they established a dynasty with four titles in eight seasons.
Notably, the team set records for the best regular season and most wins in a season. Players like Curry and Thompson are widely regarded as one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history.
In terms of value, Forbes estimates the Golden State Warriors to be worth an impressive $7.7 billion. The team has seen success both on the court and in terms of its financial standing, solidifying its position as the most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
2. New York Knicks
- Current Value: $6.6 B
- Debt/Value (%): 4
- Revenue: $504 M
- Operating Income: $169 M
The New York Knicks hold the second spot as the most valuable NBA team in 2024. They’re part of the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. The Knicks are one of the two original NBA teams still based in their original city, alongside the Boston Celtics. In their early years, the team found success and regularly contended in the playoffs under the leadership of their first head coach, Joe Lapchick.
The Knicks faced a downturn until the late 1960s when Red Holzman took over as head coach, leading them to NBA championships in 1970 and 1973. The 1980s saw mixed success, with multiple playoff appearances but no NBA Finals participation.
The 1990s, led by Hall of Famer Patrick Ewing, marked a passionate era with rivalries against teams like the Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, and Miami Heat. Although they reached the NBA Finals in 1994 and 1999, they couldn’t secure a championship during that time.
Forbes estimates the value of the New York Knicks at an impressive $6.6 billion, solidifying their position as the second most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
- Current Value: $6.4 B
- Debt/Value (%): 1
- Revenue: $516 M
- Operating Income: $159 M
The Los Angeles Lakers rank as the third most valuable NBA team in 2024. They belong to the Western Conference’s Pacific Division and play their home games at Crypto.com Arena, shared with teams like the Los Angeles Clippers, the Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA), and the Los Angeles Kings (NHL).
The Lakers boast a rich history, having won 17 NBA championships, tying with the Boston Celtics for the most in league history. They started as the Minneapolis Lakers in 1947 and, after relocating to Los Angeles in 1960-61, became a powerhouse in the 1980s, known as the “Showtime Lakers.” Led by stars like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, they secured five championships in nine years.
The Lakers faced challenges in the 1990s but returned to dominance in the early 2000s with the duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, coached by Phil Jackson. This era included a three-peat of championships from 2000 to 2002. The team went through rebuilding phases until the signings of LeBron James in 2018 and Anthony Davis in 2019. Under their leadership, along with coach Frank Vogel, the Lakers clinched their 17th championship in 2020, tying the Celtics for the most titles.
Noteworthy records include the NBA’s longest winning streak of 33 games in the 1971–72 season. The Lakers have seen numerous Hall of Famers play for them, and four iconic players—Abdul-Jabbar, Johnson, O’Neal, and Bryant—have collectively won eight NBA MVP awards.
Forbes values the Los Angeles Lakers at an impressive $6.4 billion, securing their place as the third most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
4. Boston Celtics
- Current Value: $4.7 B
- Debt/Value (%): 4
- Revenue: $443 M
- Operating Income: $88 M
The Boston Celtics hold the fourth spot as the most valuable NBA team in 2024. The Celtics have a storied history, marked by their remarkable success. They share the record for the most NBA championships, boasting 17 titles along with the Los Angeles Lakers. Additionally, they hold the record for the most recorded wins by any NBA team.
A significant part of the Celtics’ legacy is their intense rivalry with the Los Angeles Lakers, particularly highlighted in the 1960s and 1980s. Players like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson fueled the competition during this period. The Celtics and Lakers have faced each other a record 12 times in the NBA Finals, with the Celtics winning nine of those matchups.
The team’s dominance began in the late 1950s when they acquired center Bill Russell, leading to eight consecutive NBA championships from 1959 to 1966. After a rebuilding phase, the Celtics returned to success in the 1970s, winning championships in 1974 and 1976. The 1980s saw another era of dominance with Larry Bird, Kevin McHale, and Robert Parish forming the “Big Three” and winning championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986.
In the 2000s, a new “Big Three” of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, and Ray Allen brought the Celtics back to championship glory in 2008 under coach Doc Rivers. Despite subsequent changes and rebuilding periods, the team continued to be competitive, reaching the NBA Finals in 2010 and 2022.
Forbes values the Boston Celtics at $4.7 billion, solidifying their position as the fourth most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
- Current Value: $4.65 B
- Debt/Value (%): 2
- Revenue: $425 M
- Operating Income: $-12 M
The Los Angeles Clippers are the fifth most valuable NBA team in 2024. The franchise originated as the Buffalo Braves in 1970 and later relocated to San Diego, becoming the San Diego Clippers in 1978. In 1984, owner Donald Sterling controversially moved the team to Los Angeles without NBA approval, leading to a legal battle that was eventually settled with Sterling paying a fine.
For much of their early years in Los Angeles, the Clippers struggled on the court, making the playoffs only four times in their first 27 seasons. They faced challenges in comparison to the historically successful Lakers, often being considered a perennial underdog in American professional sports.
However, the Clippers transformed in the 2010s, establishing themselves as consistent playoff contenders. The “Lob City” era, featuring players like Blake Griffin, DeAndre Jordan, and Chris Paul, brought success with six consecutive playoff appearances from 2012 to 2017 and two division titles in 2013 and 2014. Despite regular-season success, playoff struggles persisted until the team reached the Conference Finals for the first time in 2021.
According to Forbes, the Los Angeles Clippers are valued at $4.65 billion, securing their position as the fifth most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
6. Chicago Bulls
- Current Value: $4.6 B
- Debt/Value (%): 4
- Revenue: $372 M
- Operating Income: $115 M
The Chicago Bulls, founded in 1966, hold the sixth spot among the most valuable NBA teams in 2024. The Bulls rose to global prominence in the 1990s, winning six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, forming one of the league’s greatest dynasties led by Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, and coach Phil Jackson. Notably, the Bulls are the only team to win multiple championships without losing an NBA Finals series.
In the 1995–96 season, the Bulls set a historic record by winning 72 games, a feat that stood until the Golden State Warriors won 73 in 2015–16. Since 1998, the team has faced challenges in reclaiming its former success. The early 2010s showed promise with players like Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, but injuries and trades led to a rebuild. The current lineup features All-Stars Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vučević.
Key players like Michael Jordan and Derrick Rose have earned NBA Most Valuable Player Awards while with the Bulls, totaling six MVP awards. Beyond the court, the Bulls are known for their community work, supporting youth and not-for-profit organizations.
According to Forbes, the Chicago Bulls are valued at $4.6 billion, solidifying their place as the sixth most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
7. Dallas Mavericks
- Current Value: $4.5 B
- Debt/Value (%): 3
- Revenue: $429 M
- Operating Income: $83 M
The Dallas Mavericks hold the seventh position among the most valuable NBA teams in 2024. In the 1980s, the Mavericks were a consistent playoff presence led by All-Stars Rolando Blackman and Mark Aguirre.
The team faced challenges in the 1990s, undergoing a rebuilding phase. The turning point came in 1998 with the acquisition of Dirk Nowitzki, who became the cornerstone of the franchise’s most successful era. Nowitzki led the Mavericks to their first and only NBA championship in 2011. Following Nowitzki’s retirement in 2019 after a remarkable 21 seasons with Dallas, the team entered a rebuilding phase. Led by Luka Dončić, the Mavericks returned to the playoffs in 2020 and reached the Western Conference Finals in 2022.
The Mavericks boast an impressive sellout streak, having sold out their NBA-record 815th consecutive game in February 2020, dating back to December 15, 2001. This streak, including 67 playoff games, is the longest ongoing streak in North American major league sports. Owned by investor Mark Cuban, the Mavericks have secured four division titles, two conference championships, and one NBA championship since their inaugural 1980–81 season.
Forbes values the Dallas Mavericks at $4.5 billion, securing their place as the seventh most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
8. Houston Rockets
- Current Value: $4.4 B
- Debt/Value (%): 5
- Revenue: $381 M
- Operating Income: $125 M
The Houston Rockets claim the eighth spot among the most valuable NBA teams in 2024. Despite a challenging start in 1967, the Rockets’ fortunes changed with the selection of power forward Elvin Hayes in the 1968 NBA draft. The team entered a transformative era in the 1980s with the drafting of center Hakeem Olajuwon in 1984. Olajuwon, paired with Ralph Sampson, formed the formidable “Twin Towers,” leading the Rockets to the NBA Finals in 1986.
Rudy Tomjanovich’s coaching tenure in the early ’90s marked the franchise’s most successful period. Led by Olajuwon, the Rockets secured their first NBA championship in 1994, followed by a repeat in 1995. The team made a significant impact as the lowest-seeded squad in NBA history to win a title.
The 2000s saw stars like Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, but injuries hindered playoff success. James Harden’s arrival in 2012 reignited championship hopes, with the Rockets consistently contending throughout the 2010s. Harden’s departure in 2021 marked the start of a rebuilding phase.
Moses Malone, Hakeem Olajuwon, and James Harden earned NBA MVP awards while with the Rockets, totaling four MVP honors. The team, under general manager Daryl Morey, gained recognition for pioneering the use of advanced statistical analytics in player acquisitions and playing style.
Forbes values the Houston Rockets at $4.4 billion, securing their place as the eighth most valuable NBA franchise in 2024.
9. Philadelphia 76ers
- Current Value: $4.3 B
- Debt/Value (%): 3
- Revenue: $371 M
- Operating Income: $120 M
The Philadelphia 76ers are the 9th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Their home games happen at the Wells Fargo Center in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex. The team started in 1946 as the Syracuse Nationals and is one of the NBA’s oldest surviving franchises.
The team is owned and managed by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), with Josh Harris and David Blitzer acquiring it in 2011. Throughout their history, the 76ers have had many great players, including Dolph Schayes, Hal Greer, Wilt Chamberlain, Julius Erving, Allen Iverson, and others.
They’ve won three NBA championships: in 1955 as the Syracuse Nationals, in 1967 led by Chamberlain, and in 1983 led by Erving and Malone. Since then, they made it to the NBA Finals in 2001 with Iverson but lost to the Los Angeles Lakers.
According to Forbes, the team is valued at $4.3 billion.
10. Toronto Raptors
- Current Value: $4.1 B
- Debt/Value (%): 5
- Revenue: $305 M
- Operating Income: $75 M
The Toronto Raptors are the 10th most valuable NBA team in 2024. They play basketball in the NBA as part of the Eastern Conference’s Atlantic Division. Their home games take place at the Scotiabank Arena, shared with the Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL. The team was founded in 1995 as part of the NBA’s expansion into Canada, initially with the Vancouver Grizzlies. Since 2001–02, the Raptors have been the only Canadian team in the league.
In their early years, the Raptors faced challenges, but the acquisition of Vince Carter in 1998 brought success. Carter helped set attendance records and led the team to the NBA playoffs in 2000, 2001, and 2002. After Carter’s departure, Chris Bosh became the team leader, and under general manager Bryan Colangelo, they made the playoffs in 2007 after a roster revamp.
In 2013, Masai Ujiri took over, and with players like DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, the Raptors became a consistent playoff team. Ujiri’s tenure saw five Division titles and the team’s most successful regular season in 2018. Despite this, they didn’t reach the NBA Finals, leading to coaching changes and significant player trades.
In 2019, the Raptors achieved historic success by winning their first NBA championship under the leadership of Kawhi Leonard and others. However, Leonard left in free agency, and Pascal Siakam emerged as the new face of the franchise.
Forbes values the Raptors at $4.1 billion.
11. Phoenix Suns
- Current Value: $4 B
- Debt/Value (%): 8
- Revenue: $366 M
- Operating Income: $15 M
The Phoenix Suns are the 11th most valuable NBA team in 2024. They play in the NBA as part of the Western Conference’s Pacific Division and are the only team in the division not based in California. Their home games are held at the Footprint Center. Unlike other major league sports teams in the Phoenix area, the Suns bill themselves as representing the city.
Starting as an expansion team in 1968, the Suns initially faced challenges, but their fortunes changed in the 1970s with players like Dick Van Arsdale and Alvan Adams. They reached the 1976 NBA Finals in a surprising turn of events. Despite not winning a championship, the team remained competitive through the 1980s, especially after acquiring Kevin Johnson in 1988.
The 1990s were a successful period for the Suns, making the playoffs for thirteen consecutive appearances, reaching the 1993 NBA Finals, but falling short of a championship. The early 2000s saw a decline until the team signed Steve Nash in 2004, leading to a resurgence with players like Shawn Marion and Amar’e Stoudemire.
After a playoff drought, the Suns made a comeback in 2021, reaching the NBA Finals with the addition of Chris Paul and a young core. In 2023, they acquired Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal. The team has a strong historical winning percentage, ranking fifth all-time, and has the second-highest winning percentage without winning an NBA championship. Eleven Hall of Famers have played for the Suns, and Charles Barkley and Steve Nash won the NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP) while with the team.
Forbes values the Suns at $4 billion.
12. Miami Heat
- Current Value: $3.9 B
- Debt/Value (%): 10
- Revenue: $371 M
- Operating Income: $108 M
The Miami Heat ranked as the 12th most valuable NBA team in 2024. They are part of the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division and play their games at the Kaseya Center. The Heat have a rich history, winning three NBA championships.
Established as an expansion team in the 1988–89 season, the Heat initially struggled but rose to prominence in the mid-1990s under team president and head coach Pat Riley. Notable trades for Alonzo Mourning and Tim Hardaway propelled the team into playoff contention, securing four consecutive division titles. Dwyane Wade’s arrival in 2003 marked another era of success.
Led by Wade and trade for Shaquille O’Neal, the Heat claimed their first NBA title in 2006 with Riley returning as head coach. After the departure of O’Neal, the team faced challenges until Riley stepped down as head coach, and Erik Spoelstra took over. The signing of LeBron James and Chris Bosh in 2010 formed the “Big Three” with Wade, leading to back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013.
Following the departure of the “Big Three” in 2016, the Heat entered a rebuilding phase. The acquisition of Jimmy Butler in 2019 brought them back to the NBA Finals in 2020 and 2023. In 2021, they added Kyle Lowry, a six-time NBA All-Star.
The Heat hold the NBA’s third-longest winning streak, with 27 straight games during the 2012–13 season. Six Hall of Famers have played for Miami, and LeBron James earned two consecutive NBA MVP Awards with the team.
Forbes values the Heat at $3.9 billion.
13. Brooklyn Nets
- Current Value: $3.85 B
- Debt/Value (%): 7
- Revenue: $367
- Operating Income: M $-5 M
The Brooklyn Nets are the 13th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Situated in New York City, they share the basketball spotlight with the New York Knicks. The team’s roots trace back to 1967 when they were established as a charter franchise in the American Basketball Association (ABA). Initially, they played as the New Jersey Americans before becoming the New York Nets, winning two ABA championships in 1974 and 1976.
Following the ABA-NBA merger in 1976, the Nets joined the NBA along with three other ABA teams. From 1977 to 2012, the team played as the New Jersey Nets, reaching the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003 led by star point guard Jason Kidd, though they fell short of a championship.
In 2012, the Nets moved to Barclays Center in Brooklyn, marking the return of a major sports franchise to the borough since the departure of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957. Since the move, the Nets have made the playoffs eight times, reaching the Conference Semifinals in 2014 and 2021.
Forbes values the Brooklyn Nets at $3.85 billion.
14. Washington Wizards
- Current Value: $3.5 B
- Debt/Value (%): 6
- Revenue: $323 M
- Operating Income: $85 M
The Washington Wizards hold the 14th spot among the most valuable NBA teams in 2024. They compete in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division and play their home games at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., sharing the venue with the Washington Capitals of the NHL and the Georgetown University men’s basketball team.
Established in 1961 as the Chicago Packers, they underwent name changes before becoming the Washington Wizards in 1997. The team has a rich history, moving from Chicago to Baltimore in 1963 and eventually settling in the Washington metropolitan area in 1973. They won an NBA championship in 1978 and have made four NBA Finals appearances. The Wizards have participated in 28 playoffs, securing four conference titles and eight division titles. Their best season record was in 1975, with a 60–22 record.
Wes Unseld, a key figure in franchise history, achieved the rare distinction of being named both NBA MVP (1969) and Finals MVP (1978). Additionally, four players – Walt Bellamy, Terry Dischinger, Earl Monroe, and Unseld – have won the Rookie of the Year award.
Forbes values the Washington Wizards at $3.5 billion.
15. Denver Nuggets
- Current Value: $3.38 B
- Debt/Value (%): 8
- Revenue: $348 M
- Operating Income: $71 M
The Denver Nuggets hold the 15th position among the most valuable NBA teams in 2024. They are a member of the Western Conference’s Northwest Division in the NBA. The team has a unique history, initially founded as the Denver Larks in 1967 as part of the American Basketball Association (ABA). However, before their first season, they changed their name to the Rockets and later, in 1974, became the Nuggets. In their inaugural year under the name Nuggets, they competed for the ABA Championship in 1976 but were defeated by the New York Nets.
The Nuggets have experienced periods of success, making the ABA playoffs each season during the ABA’s existence. After the ABA–NBA merger in 1976, they qualified for the NBA playoffs in nine consecutive seasons during the 1980s and then for ten consecutive seasons from 2004 to 2013.
Notably, in 2023, led by Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets reached their first NBA Finals and secured the franchise’s first NBA championship by defeating the Miami Heat. The Nuggets were the last of the four surviving former ABA teams to reach the NBA Finals and the second former ABA team to win an NBA title after the San Antonio Spurs.
The team plays its home games at Ball Arena, which it shares with the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL and the Colorado Mammoth of the National Lacrosse League (NLL).
Forbes values the Denver Nuggets at $3.38 billion.
16. Cleveland Cavaliers
- Current Value: $3.35 B
- Debt/Value (%): 7
- Revenue: $348 M
- Operating Income: $78 M
The Cleveland Cavaliers are the 16th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Competing in the Eastern Conference’s Central Division, the Cavaliers began as an expansion team in 1970 along with the Portland Trail Blazers and Buffalo Braves. They initially played home games at Cleveland Arena and later at the Richfield Coliseum before moving to Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland in 1994. The arena is shared with the Cleveland Monsters of the American Hockey League. The team is owned by Dan Gilbert since March 2005.
The George and Gordon Gund ownership era, starting in 1983, brought stability and success. The Cavaliers became regular playoff contenders in the latter half of the 1980s and the 1990s, highlighted by a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals in 1992. After a period of struggles in the late 1990s, the team received a boost with the selection of LeBron James in the 2003 draft. Behind James and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, the Cavaliers returned to playoff contention by 2005, making their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007.
After a stint with the Miami Heat, LeBron James returned to the Cavaliers in 2014, leading them to four straight NBA Finals appearances and securing the franchise’s first NBA Championship in 2016.
Forbes values the Cleveland Cavaliers at $3.35 billion.
17. Sacramento Kings
- Current Value: 3.33 B
- Debt/Value (%): 16
- Revenue: $289 M
- Operating Income: $36 M
The Sacramento Kings rank as the 17th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Competing in the Western Conference’s Pacific Division, the Kings hold the distinction of being the oldest team in the NBA and are the sole major professional North American sports team located in Sacramento. They play their home games at the Golden 1 Center.
The franchise’s roots trace back to the Rochester Seagrams, a semi-professional team from Rochester, New York, formed in 1923. Renamed the Rochester Royals, the team won the National Basketball League championship in the 1945–46 season. After joining the Basketball Association of America (BAA) in 1948, they won the NBA championship in 1951. Facing financial challenges in Rochester, the team moved to Cincinnati in 1957, becoming the Cincinnati Royals.
In 1972, the team relocated once more to Kansas City, initially named the Kansas City–Omaha Kings due to splitting home games between the two cities. The nickname changed to Kansas City Kings, and after a few seasons, the team moved again to Sacramento in 1985.
The Kings experienced struggles between 2006 and 2022, enduring 16 consecutive losing seasons, the longest streak in NBA history. They also had the longest active postseason drought across the four major North American sports, lasting from 2006 to 2023.
Forbes values the Sacramento Kings at $3.33 billion.
18. Atlanta Hawks
- Current Value: $3.33 B
- Debt/Value (%): 8
- Revenue: $326 M
- Operating Income: $85 M
The Atlanta Hawks are positioned as the 18th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Competing in the Eastern Conference’s Southeast Division, the Hawks play their home games at State Farm Arena.
On May 3, 1968, the franchise moved to Atlanta when sold by Ben Kerner to Thomas Cousins and former Georgia Governor Carl Sanders. The Hawks currently hold the second-longest championship drought (behind the Sacramento Kings) at 64 seasons, with their lone championship and all Finals appearances occurring in St. Louis.
Notably, the Hawks had 48 years without advancing past the second round of the playoffs until breaking through in 2015. However, they are one of only four NBA teams to have qualified for the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons in the 21st century, achieving this feat between 2008 and 2017.
Forbes values the Atlanta Hawks at $3.33 billion.
19. San Antonio Spurs
- Current Value: $3.25 B
- Debt/Value (%): 6
- Revenue: $319 M
- Operating Income: $113 M
The San Antonio Spurs are ranked as the 19th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Competing in the Western Conference’s Southwest Division, the Spurs play their home games at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
The Spurs have a rich history, originating as one of four former American Basketball Association (ABA) teams to persist in the NBA following the 1976 ABA–NBA merger. They are one of two former ABA teams, alongside the Denver Nuggets, to have won an NBA championship, and uniquely, the only former ABA team to have secured multiple championships. The franchise claimed NBA titles in 1999, 2003, 2005, 2007, and 2014.
In the 2022–23 season, the Spurs boasted the highest winning percentage among active NBA franchises. Their success extends over decades, and from 1999–2000 to 2016–17 seasons, they achieved a remarkable record of 18 consecutive 50-win seasons. In the 2018–19 season, the Spurs equaled an NBA record with 22 consecutive playoff appearances. This period of prosperity aligns with the tenure of head coach Gregg Popovich and the playing careers of Spurs icons David Robinson (1989–2003) and Tim Duncan (1997–2016). In the 2022–23 season, the Spurs celebrated the club’s 50th anniversary.
Forbes values the San Antonio Spurs at $3.25 billion.
20. Milwaukee Bucks
- Current Value: $3.2 B
- Debt/Value (%): 10
- Revenue: $329 M
- Operating Income: $-36 M
The Milwaukee Bucks are recognized as the 20th most valuable NBA team in 2024. Former U.S. Senator Herb Kohl served as the long-time owner of the team until April 16, 2014, when a group led by billionaire hedge fund managers Wes Edens and Marc Lasry agreed to purchase a majority interest in the team from Kohl. This sale was approved by the NBA owners and its Board of Governors on May 16 of the same year. The team is currently managed by Jon Horst, who took over from John Hammond, the former director of basketball operations.
The Bucks have an impressive basketball history, securing two league championships in 1971 and 2021, three conference titles (Western: 1971, 1974, Eastern: 2021), and 18 division titles spanning various years. The team has been home to legendary players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Oscar Robertson, Bob Dandridge, Sidney Moncrief, Bob Lanier, Terry Cummings, Glenn Robinson, Ray Allen, Michael Redd, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Earl Boykins, and Jrue Holiday.
Both Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Giannis Antetokounmpo earned NBA Most Valuable Player awards while playing for the Bucks, totaling five MVP awards for the franchise. Abdul-Jabbar and Antetokounmpo are also the only players to win Finals MVP for the Bucks. Remarkably, the Bucks are the only team to have won a championship in both the Eastern and Western Conference.
Forbes values the Milwaukee Bucks at $3.2 billion.
