The Most Expensive North American Pro Sports Franchise Sales

Mark Walter’s purchase of the Lakers in a deal that values the franchise at $10 billion is the largest sum ever paid for a sports team in North America.

The CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of the Dodgers added to his sports portfolio in 2025, buying the Lakers from the Buss family. Walter had been a stakeholder in the Lakers since 2021, owning 26%, which allowed him right of first refusal on the majority sale. 

Just a few months prior, the Boston Celtics were sold for $6.1 billion to Bill Chisholm. The deal, which was the most expensive franchise sale at the time, was approved in August 2025 and initially gave Chisholm a 51% majority stake in the team. He is expected to receive full control by 2028.

The Washington Commanders fetched the highest price for an NFL team, selling for $6.05 billion in 2023. Josh Harris, the founder of Apollo Global Management, led the winning bid group, which included NBA legend Magic Johnson and Danaher Corporation. 

Washington’s sale is likely to soon be overtaken as the most expensive in NFL history. The Seahawks, who won Super Bowl LX, are expected to be sold after the Trail Blazers deal is finalized in March, with predictions for Seattle’s sale exceeding $7 billion.

Mark Cuban and Michael Jordan both sold majority stakes in NBA franchises in 2023, landing the Mavericks and Hornets on the list. Cuban sold his stake in the Mavericks for $3.5 billion, ending a 23-year run as the majority owner of the team. Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall purchased Jordan’s majority stake in Charlotte for $3 billion. The Hornets did not win a playoff series during Jordan’s ownership.
Steve Cohen’s $2.4 billion purchase of the New York Mets is the most expensive for a baseball team, putting him at eighth on the list. Since Cohen purchased the team, the Mets have reached the playoffs twice and consistently have one of the highest payrolls in baseball.

The Top 10