In a historic deal, the Los Angeles Lakers is set for a change of ownership. Mark Walter, the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, has agreed to acquire majority ownership of the Los Angeles Lakers from the Buss family for a valuation of approximately $10 billion, according to reports.
This is the largest sale in North American sports history. On that note, let us have a look at the most valuable teams in US Sports history.
Los Angeles Lakers- $10 Billion (2025)
The Buss family has reportedly agreed to sell their majority stake to Mark Walter, CEO of TWG Global. The deal is said to be worth $10 billion The Buss family trust, owned 66% of the team prior to the sale. Walter and his partners owned 27% of the Lakers before buying one of the most iconic franchises in sports., Walter already owns Dodgers which handed Shohei Ohtani a massive 10-year, $700 million contract in 2023. Dončić has a player option for the 2026-27 season.
Boston Celtics- $6.1 Billion (2025)
The Celtics, the NBA’s winningest franchise, followed closely behind with a $6.1 billion valuation in a partial sale. While controlling owner Wyc Grousbeck will retain authority until 2028, the move sets the franchise up for another potential championship push. As one of the league’s legacy brands, the Celtics’ valuation reflects both history and future promise.
Washington Commanders- $6.05 Billion (2023)
After years of controversy, Dan Snyder sold the Commanders to Josh Harris in a deal just over $6 billion—resetting the market for NFL team sales. Harris, already a part-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, oversaw an immediate turnaround, as the team reached the NFC Championship in 2024, led by emerging star QB Jayden Daniels.
Denver Broncos- $4.65 Billion (2022)
The Broncos’ 2022 sale to the Walton-Penner family (heirs to the Walmart fortune) briefly held the U.S. record. It marked a generational ownership shift and instantly gave the franchise the NFL’s wealthiest owner in Rob Walton. Though performance has been inconsistent, the Broncos remain one of the league’s most valuable assets.
Phoenix Suns and Mercury- $4 Billion (2023)
One of the most valuable teams in US sports history, Mat Ishbia’s acquired Suns and WNBA’s Mercury in 2023 which was an NBA record then. The team made bold tradings and luxury tax spending, though championship success has remained elusive. The sale bundled both franchises, adding value beyond just the Suns.
Dallas Mavericks- $3.5 Billion (2023)
Mark Cuban’s shocking decision to sell over 70% of the Mavericks to Miriam Adelson in 2023 stunned NBA fans. Cuban, once the league’s most visible owner, stepped back while retaining a role in basketball operations. The new ownership later made a divisive move by trading away Luka Dončić in 2025.
Charlotte Hornets- $3 Billion (2023)
Michael Jordan exited ownership of the Hornets by selling to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin. The team enjoyed a very limited play-off success. However, it went for a whopping $3 billion.
New York Mets- $2.4 Billion (2020)
Steve Cohen’s 2020 purchase of the Mets from the Wilpons marked a new chapter for the team and MLB. Backed by hedge fund billions, Cohen immediately pushed the team into spending overdrive, including a historic contract for Juan Soto. The Mets’ valuation now seems like a bargain in hindsight.
Brooklyn Nets- $2.35 Billion (2019)
Joe Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba, completed his two-part purchase of the Nets in 2019, valuing the team at $2.35 billion. While the full deal including Barclays Center topped $3 billion, the team alone ranks as one of the priciest NBA sales to date, reflecting the strength of the NYC market and Tsai’s global vision.
Carolina Panthers- $2.275 Billion (2017)
David Tepper’s all-cash purchase of the Panthers in 2017 set a then-record for any U.S. sports franchise. While the team has since struggled, the price tag was a harbinger of the NFL’s explosive growth. Today, that number would barely make the top 10.
Also Read: The Most Valuable International Squads In World Football
Most Valuable Teams In US Sports History- (Top 10)
| Rank | Franchise | League | Sale Year | Sale Price |
| 1 | Los Angeles Lakers | NBA | 2025 | $10.0 billion |
| 2 | Boston Celtics | NBA | 2025 | $6.1 billion |
| 3 | Washington Commanders | NFL | 2023 | $6.05 billion |
| 4 | Denver Broncos | NFL | 2022 | $4.65 billion |
| 5 | Phoenix Suns & Mercury | NBA/WNBA | 2023 | $4.0 billion |
| 6 | Dallas Mavericks | NBA | 2023 | $3.5 billion |
| 7 | Charlotte Hornets | NBA | 2023 | $3.0 billion |
| 8 | New York Mets | MLB | 2020 | $2.4 billion |
| 9 | Brooklyn Nets | NBA | 2019 | $2.35 billion |
| 10 | Carolina Panthers | NFL | 2017 | $2.275 billion |
