How much can an NFL and NBA team have in common?

From proactive investment and a passionate fanbase to one iconic franchise cornerstone and a championship dynasty, two teams from two separate leagues aren’t that far apart.

Those teams are the New England Patriots and Golden State Warriors, two of the most premier franchises in sports. So much so that in CNBC’s Most Valuable Sports Empires 2025, which ranks the most lucrative sports franchise ownerships in the world, both U.S. teams are within the top 10.

New England, owned by billionaire and businessman Robert Kraft, came in at No. 8 with a value of $11 billion. Golden State, owned by a group featuring businessmen Joe Lacob and Peter Guber, placed slightly behind at No. 9 with a $10.9 billion value.

So, what factors played a role in the ranking and parallels? CNBC senior sports reporter Michael Ozanian explained the details.

“The timing was great,” Ozanian said when comparing Golden State to New England. “The Patriots privately financed Gillette Stadium and it all kind of happened around the perfect time when they started winning Super Bowls and Tom Brady came in and Bill Belichick and they became the dominant brand in the NFL. And that really helped them with their revenue at the stadium.

“Similar to Golden State, they spent a lot of money on that new arena, privately financed. In came Steph Curry, they started winning championships … With season tickets sales and personal seat licenses and all that, they were very smart about maximizing the revenue from the success and popularity of the team, which in turn has helped them pay for the arena.”

Ozanian also pointed out that from CNBC’s NBA valuations earlier in the year, the Warriors’ sponsorship revenue was $200 million more than the next highest franchise.

The Kraft Group also has the following key holdings under their books: the New England Revolution (MLS), Kraft Analytics and Patriot Place (entertainment and retail).

Golden State’s ownership group is similar in that regard with its primary holdings: the Golden State Valkyries (WNBA), Chase Center and Thrive City (entertainment and retail).

With the Patriots searching for their next cornerstone in the post-Brady era and the Warriors soon facing that dilemma once Steph Curry hangs up the sneakers, perhaps more similarities are on the horizon.