The 10 Most Valuable Team Sales in U.S. Sports History

If you thought sports team prices were already out of control, buckle up, because the Los Angeles Lakers just sold for a jaw-dropping $10 billion, making it the most expensive team sale in U.S. history. That’s billion with a B.

This historic deal knocks the Boston Celtics out of the top spot and cements the Lakers’ legacy not just on the court, but also in the boardroom. For sports fans, business junkies, and anyone who’s ever wondered how much a franchise is actually worth, here’s how the all-time leaderboard shakes out now:

Top 10 Most Expensive Sports Team Sales in U.S. History:

1. Los Angeles Lakers – $10 billion
2. Boston Celtics – $6.1 billion
3. Washington Commanders – $6.05 billion
4. Denver Broncos – $4.65 billion
5. Phoenix Suns – $4 billion
6. Dallas Mavericks – $3.5 billion
7. Charlotte Hornets – $3 billion
8. New York Mets – $2.4 billion
9. Brooklyn Nets – $2.35 billion
10. Carolina Panthers – $2.275 billion

Just let this sink in: In less than two decades, the ceiling for team sales has more than quadrupled. A big chunk of the boom can be credited to media rights, streaming deals, global merchandising, and a whole lot of billionaire FOMO.

Interestingly, this list is a mix of teams across the NBA, NFL, MLB, and even some surprising names (hello, Charlotte Hornets?). Basketball franchises seem to dominate the top spots now, which is a shift from past decades when NFL teams led the charge.

The Lakers, with their worldwide fan base, celebrity allure, and rich championship history, were always expected to go big, but $10 billion big? That’s next-level. And with franchise values continuing to soar, it might not be long before another team makes a run at that record.

Until then, the purple and gold sit on top of yet another mountain.