The Los Angeles Lakers are set to be sold for a record $12.5 billion, a deal that will dramatically reshape the financial landscape of the entire NBA. According to CNBC's Michael Ozanian, this pending sale to Bob Iger and Joshua Kushner from Mark Walter will push the average NBA team valuation up 21% to $6.68 billion. This financial news arrives as the Lakers' on-court performance has been a struggle, with their last result a 110-115 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on May 12, 2026, and a recent form of 1 win and 4 losses in their last five games.
How does the Lakers sale affect NBA team values?
CNBC has updated its valuations for all 30 NBA franchises based on the terms of the Lakers' massive transaction. The Golden State Warriors retain their spot as the league's most valuable team, but their estimated worth jumps to $13 billion from $10.8 billion in February. The New York Knicks and Chicago Bulls saw the biggest percentage gains, each rising 26% in the new calculations. This ripple effect shows how a landmark deal for a premier franchise like the Lakers resets the market for everyone.
Analysts at CNBC use a proprietary database that considers several factors beyond just sale prices. Arena economics, local market size, and current investor interest all play a part in determining these numbers. The $12.5 billion price tag for the Lakers represents an estimated 20 times the team's revenue for the 2025-26 NBA season. That's an all-time high multiple for a controlling stake in a professional basketball team.
What makes the Lakers deal so significant?
Mark Walter only purchased his controlling stake in the Lakers in October at a $10 billion valuation. The rapid climb to a $12.5 billion sale price underscores intense investor demand for top-tier NBA assets. This deal isn't just about basketball. It's a major financial event that highlights the league's soaring global popularity and revenue potential from media rights, arena deals, and merchandising.
The transaction's impact is felt far beyond the court where the Lakers recently lost four straight. For fans tracking the team's progress, you can review their upcoming schedule and past results on our [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The valuation surge happens even as the team works to improve its roster and performance for the next campaign.
Which teams gained the most value?
While the Warriors, Knicks, and Bulls saw major gains, every team in the league benefits from the rising tide. The reigning champion New York Knicks' 26% increase is a powerful combination of on-court success and market size. The Chicago Bulls' identical jump reflects the enduring value of a major market franchise with a legendary history.
These updated figures provide a snapshot of the NBA's financial health as it enters a new media rights cycle. Team values are closely tied to league-wide revenue, which continues to break records. The Lakers' sale sets a new benchmark that owners and potential buyers will use for years to come. It confirms that owning an NBA franchise, especially in a market like Los Angeles, is one of the most valuable investments in all of sports.
For a detailed look at how all 30 teams stack up financially, CNBC's full valuation list breaks down each franchise's worth, along with revenue and EBITDA figures from the 2024-25 season. The Lakers' deal proves that even during a competitive rebuild, the brand's power and the NBA's economic model are stronger than ever.
