Despite the hoopla about dwindling TV ratings and concerns about trolling surrounding that topic, from a purely business standpoint, the NBA appears to be in a healthier place than ever.
The latest example is the Los Angeles Lakers being sold for $10 billion, surpassing the Boston Celtics for the highest amount ever paid for a U.S. sports team.
Below, check out the list we put together of the biggest NBA team sales in league history.
Bought by Mark Walter in 2025. The team had been bought by Jerry Buss in 1979 for $67.5 million
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Bill Chisholm in 2025. The team had been bought by Wyc Grousbeck in 2002 for $360 million
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Mat Ishbia in 2022. The team had been bought by Robert Sarver in 2004 for $401 million
Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Joe Tsai in 2019. The team had been bought by Mikhail Prokhorov in 2010 for $200 million
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Tilman Fertitta in 2017. The team had been bought by Leslie Alexander in 1993 for $85 million
Harry How/Getty Images
Bought by Steve Ballmer in 2014. The team had been bought by Donald Sterling in 1981 for $12.5 million
Christopher Creveling-Imagn Images
Bought by Ryan Smith in 2020. The team had been bought by Larry H. Miller in 1986 for $14 million
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
As of February 2025, a three-person arbitration panel ruled in favor of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, so they can finally acquire a controlling stake in the Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx. The team had been bought by Glen Taylor in 1994 for $88 million
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Rogers and Bell bought 75 percent of MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) in 2011, although Larry Tannenbaum remains as chairman. The team had been bought by MLSE in 1998 for $467 million
Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Bought by Cablevision Systems Corp. in 1994. The team had been bought by Gulf and Western Industries in 1977 for $185 million
Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Tony Ressler in 2015. The team had been bought by Atlanta Spirit in 2004 for $250 million
Maddie Meyer/Getty Images
ITT Corp. sold its interest to its partner Cablevision in 1997. The team had been bought by Cablevision Systems Corp. in 1994 for $1.1 billion.
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry in 2014. The team had been bought by Herb Kohl in 1985 for $18 million
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Ted Leonsis in 2010. The team had been bought by Abe Pollin in 1964 for $1.1 million
Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Vivek Ranadive in 2013. The team had been bought by George, Joe and Gavin Maloof in 1998 for $156 million
Elsa/Getty Images
Bought by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber in 2010. The team had been bought by Chris Cohan in 1995 for $119 million
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Stan Kroenke bought the Nuggets along with the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche and their home arena in 2000 for $450 million. The team had been bought by Communications Satellite in 1989 for $54 million
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Robert Sarver in 2004. The team had been bought by Jerry Colangelo in 1987 for $44.5 million
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Dan Gilbert in 2005. The team had been bought by Gordon Gund in 1983 for $20 million
David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Wyc Grousbeck in 2002. The team had been bought by Don Gaston, Paul Dupee and Alan Cohen in 1983 for $15 million
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Bought by Robert Pera in 2012. The team had been bought by Michael Heisley in 2001 for $160 million
Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports
Bought by Clay Bennett in 2006. The team had been bought by Howard Schultz in 2001 for $200 million when the team was in Seattle, then moved to Oklahoma City
Stacy Revere/Getty Images
Bought by Tom Benson in 2012. The team had been bought by George Shinn in 1987 for $32.5 million
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