• Loading stock data...
Monday, December 9, 2024
Tune in on Dec. 11 at 1:05 p.m. ET for our last Future of Sports virtual summit of the year – Future of Sports: Marketing! Register Now

Warriors in Line to Become NBA’s Financial Gold Standard

  • Warriors could challenge Knicks for the NBA’s most valuable franchise.
  • Knicks, Warriors, and Lakers are the top three most valuable teams.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Golden State Warriors’ latest NBA championship could vault them past the New York Knicks as the league’s most valuable franchise.

The Warriors were ranked No. 2 on Forbes 2022 “Business of Basketball” rankings at $5.6 billion. The Knicks, valued at $5.8 billion, are tops, while the Los Angeles Lakers ($5.5 billion) are listed third.

But if Steph Curry and co. keep adding Larry O’Brien Championship Trophies, they could challenge the Knicks for the top spot, said Lee Berke, chief executive officer of LHB Sports, Entertainment & Media. 

The Warriors are a modern dynasty, winning four of the last eight NBA titles. The Knicks have not won a championship since 1973 but have somehow held on to the top spot. 

  • Knicks: Revenue: $299M. Operating Income: $71M. The Knicks have the advantage of playing in the nation’s largest media market, with a metro area population of over 19M. 
  • Warriors: Revenue: $258M. Operating Income: $44M. Arctos Sports Partners bought a minority stake last year, but the Warriors play in a smaller market, with an area population of 4M.
  • Lakers: Revenue: $316M. Operating Income: $63M. The Lakers boast LeBron James and play in the country’s second-biggest market, with a population of 13.2M.

“It’s tough to say the Warriors will surpass [the Knicks]. But can they come close to matching them? Yes. If they keep on performing like this, they will have substantial upside.” 

There are several factors that drive valuation — including performance, market size, and sponsorships — and despite decades of on-court struggles, the Knicks still rule the roost when it comes to basketball franchises.

“Certainly the Warriors have had a remarkable performance over the last decade. But the reality is the Knicks still are in the nation’s No. 1 DMA. That’s always going to be a factor for their valuation,” said Berke.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Nov 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a Wilson NBA basketball held by a referee during the second half between the Utah Jazz against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena

‘Obvious Weak Point’: Refs Remain an NBA Gambling Concern

A season after Jontay Porter, the biggest risk may not be players.
Jul 20, 2024; Phoenix, AZ, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver arrives prior to the WNBA All Star Game at Footprint Center.

NBA Set for China Return Five Years After Morey–Hong Kong Fiasco

The Nets and Suns will play two games in Macao in October 2025.

Las Vegas Doubles Down on Sports With $1.75B Ballpark and NBA Arena

Ballpark and arena projects in the booming sports market receive key approvals.
Sponsored

Racing Forward: How SailGP is Redefining High-Performance Sailing and Championing Gender Equality

SailGP is redefining high-performance sailing through their bold commitment to gender equality and their Women’s Performance Program.

Featured Today

Nov 2, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines cheerleader runs with a flag before the game against the Oregon Ducks at Michigan Stadium.
opinion

College Football’s Billionaire Backer Era Begins

Is this the new normal in CFB recruiting?
LA Galaxy forward Dejan Joveljic (9) celebrates with midfielder Riqui Puig (10) after scoring a goal against Seattle Sounders FC in the second half in the 2024 MLS Cup Western Conference Final match at Dignity Health Sports Park
December 6, 2024

With or Without Messi, Major League Soccer Is Barreling Into the Future

After the Cup final, the league looks to accelerate its growth.
Dec 18, 2022; Lusail, Qatar; FIFA president Gianni Infantino claps during the awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium.
December 2, 2024

FIFA Wants More Matches. Resistance Is Growing Inside the Global Soccer World

Resentment and frustration over expanded schedules is nearing a breaking point.
November 30, 2024

U.S. Investors Are Gunning for England’s Small Soccer Clubs

Is another Hollywood-like success story possible among the U.K.’s smallest clubs?
Old Commanders logo

Commanders Plan to Bring Back Old Logo on Special Alumni Merchandise

The Commanders are bringing back their old logo in limited fashion.
December 3, 2024

As LeBron James Struggles, Lakers—and NBA—Face Murky Future

In October, James had said he wanted to play all 82 games.
Soccer
December 6, 2024

U.S. Buyers Snap Up Yet Another English Soccer Club in Sheffield United

The recently relegated club has agreed to sell to new owners.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Dec 1, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Rockets guard Fred VanVleet (5) celebrates with center Alperen Sengun (28) after scoring during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Toyota Center.
December 2, 2024

Rockets Look Like Contenders, but Payroll Questions Loom

Houston is a half-game out of first in the Western Conference.
December 2, 2024

Red Bull Faces Driver, Financial Questions After Pérez’s Exit

Sergio Pérez is trailing Max Verstappen by 227 points in the championship.
December 1, 2024

Dodgers All-In Approach Clear As They Add to Championship Core

The defending-champion Dodgers are not resting on their laurels, but wielding their financial might.
Sep 25, 2011; Oakland, CA, USA; New York Jets owner Woody Johnson (center), coach Rex Ryan (left) and general manager Mike Tannenbaum on the sidelines before the game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum.
November 25, 2024

Woody Johnson Brings in GM He Fired to Find Replacement for GM..

Mike Tannenbaum is the last Jets GM to guide them to the playoffs.