Every NBA Team Owner Explained (2025 Edition)

In 2010, two investors bought an NBA team for $450 million. Everyone said

they overpaid. Today, that franchise is worth $8.6 billion.

>> At number one, the Golden State Warriors worth an astounding 9.4 billion.

>> But here's the wild part. That's not

even close to being the most expensive NBA team anymore.

>> $450 million. Not a lot in today's standards, but it was a record at the time.

>> From tech billionaires to casino mogul, from Hollywood producers to a guy who literally owns half of Walmart's parent company, NBA ownership has become the

ultimate billionaires club. So, let's

break down who owns every single team, how they made their fortunes, and which deals turned out to be absolute steals.

Atlanta Hawks. The Atlanta Hawks are owned by Tony Resler, the billionaire co-founder of Aries Management, one of the world's largest private equity

firms. Resler led a group that purchased the Hawks in 2015 for about $850 million, a deal that was among the biggest in NBA history at the time.

According to Forbes, the franchise is now valued between $3.8 8 billion and $4.3 billion, reflecting a massive

increase in value over the past decade.

What makes this ownership group especially notable is its diverse mix of investors, including NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill, Spanx founder Sarah

Blakeley, and entrepreneur Jesse Ller.

Under their leadership, the Hawks have remained consistent playoff contenders and even made history by completing a $35 million refinancing deal entirely

through blackowned banks, a first in professional sports. Boston Celtics.

professional sports. Boston Celtics.

Here's where things get expensive. In

2025, the Boston Celtics were sold for a record-breaking $6.1 billion.

$6.1 billion deal. That 0.1 representing a hund00 million. Just the 0.1. The

highest price ever paid for a US sports franchise. The buyer, a private equity

franchise. The buyer, a private equity group led by Bill Chishon, a longtime partner at Advent International. The

Celtics were originally purchased in 2002 for just $360 million by a group led by Wick Grossbeck and Steve Paglooka, meaning the team's value

increased nearly 17 times in just over two decades. With 18 NBA championships,

two decades. With 18 NBA championships, the most in league history, and a 2024 title fresh in hand, the Celtics remain

one of basketball's crown jewels.

Brooklyn Nets. The Brooklyn Nets are owned by Choy Sai, co-founder of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba. Sai purchased

the team in stages, 49% in 2018 for $1 billion, then the remaining 51% in 2019 for $2.35 billion, setting a record at

the time for the most expensive sports franchise sale. Joseph Sai plans to buy

franchise sale. Joseph Sai plans to buy the 51% of the Brooklyn Nets he does not already own for a record $2.35 billion.

He will buy out Russian billionaire Male Procarov with a net worth of approximately 13.7 billion. Tai has

transformed the Nets into a major player in New York's competitive sports market.

The team also has a notable minority owner, Julia Ko of the Ko Industries family, who joined the ownership group in 2023. Today, the Nets are valued at

in 2023. Today, the Nets are valued at $4.8 billion.

Charlotte Hornets. In 2023, a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rich Schnull purchased a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets for about $3 billion,

ending Michael Jordan's 13-year run as majority owner. Plotkin, founder of

majority owner. Plotkin, founder of Tallwoods Capital, formerly Melvin Capital, made his fortune in hedge funds. Schnal is a private equity

funds. Schnal is a private equity executive at Clayton Dubilier and Rice.

Jordan retains a minority stake. The new

ownership group also includes celebrity minority owners J.Cole and Eric Church.

Earlier estimates placed the Hornets value pre-sale much lower, but the $3 billion deal reflects a huge jump in franchise valuation. But ownership

franchise valuation. But ownership stories don't always go smoothly. Just

wait until you hear about the legal battle brewing in Minnesota.

Chicago Bulls.

Jerry Rinddorf has been one of the NBA's most enduring owners. In 1985, he acquired a controlling stake in the Chicago Bulls, 56.8%.

For about $9.2 million, part of a larger syndicate purchase of the franchise for roughly $16 million.

Rindorf made his fortune largely through real estate and insurance ventures, including founding Balor, which he later sold to American Express. Under his

ownership, the Bulls became a dominant dynasty. winning six NBA championships

dynasty. winning six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998, led by Michael Jordan. Today, Ryanorf's estimated net

Jordan. Today, Ryanorf's estimated net worth is around 2.2 to$2.3 billion, and he also owns the MLB Chicago White

Socks. The breakup of the Bull's core

Socks. The breakup of the Bull's core after the 1998 championship remains one of the most debated decisions in league history. Cleveland Cavaliers. Dan

history. Cleveland Cavaliers. Dan

Gilbert, the billionaire co-founder of Quick and Loans, now Rocket Mortgage, bought the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005 for $375

million, a deal that would eventually look like a bargain. Today, the

franchise is valued at nearly $4.3 billion, according to CNBC. Under

Gilbert's ownership, the Cavaliers captured their first ever NBA championship in 2016, led by LeBron James historic return to Cleveland. Now

worth an estimated $ 24 billion, according to Forbes 2025, Gilbert is one of the richest owners in professional sports, his tenure hasn't been without

controversy, though. most notably his

controversy, though. most notably his fiery 2010 open letter criticizing LeBron's departure to Miami. A move he later apologized for when the superstar

returned. Dallas Mavericks. The Dallas

returned. Dallas Mavericks. The Dallas

Maverick's ownership story took a dramatic turn in 2023 when Miriam Adlesen and her family alongside the Dumont family were approved by the NBA

to purchase a 69% majority stake in the team with Mark Cuban retaining a 27% stake in continuing to manage the basketball operations. The transaction

basketball operations. The transaction valued the franchise at approximately $3.5 billion. Dallas Maverick's owner

$3.5 billion. Dallas Maverick's owner Mark Cuban has agreed to sell the majority of his stake in the team. The

family of Miriam Adlesen, the widow of the GOP donor and casino magnet Sheldon Aden, reflecting a huge leap from when Cuban bought the team in 2000 for $285

million. AD with a net worth estimated

million. AD with a net worth estimated around 32 to $33 billion now sits among the wealthiest NBA owners. Forbes places

the Maverick's valuation at $4.5 billion, underlining their growing financial stature in the league. Denver

Nuggets. The Denver Nuggets are owned by Anne Walton Kroni, a Walmart Aerys through Kron Sports and Entertainment.

In 2000, Anne and husband Stan Kanki bought the Nuggets, NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and the Pepsi Center in a deal valued at $450 million. Under their

ownership, the Nuggets captured their first NBA championship in 2023.

>> At last, the long wait is over. After 47

years, the Denver Nuggets can finally call themselves NBA champions.

>> Led by twotime MVP Nicola Jock. As of

2024, Forbes values the Nuggets franchise at $3.9 billion, reflecting remarkable growth. Stan Kroni, whose

remarkable growth. Stan Kroni, whose sports portfolio also includes the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, Arsenal FC, and others, is now estimated to be worth

around 18 to 20 billion.

Detroit Pistons. Tom Gors, founder of private equity powerhouse Platinum Equity, acquired the Detroit Pistons in

2011 for about $325 million, then bought out any remaining partners in 2015 to become the sole owner. With an estimated

net worth around $9.4 4 billion. Gores

has invested in Detroit both on and off the court, building a new training facility, relocating to Little Caesar's Arena, and enhancing the team's infrastructure. Though the Pistons last

infrastructure. Though the Pistons last NBA championship came in 2004 before his ownership, the team has struggled more recently with performance and playoff

consistency. As of 2025, CNBC values the

consistency. As of 2025, CNBC values the franchise at approximately $3.45 billion.

Golden State Warriors. In 2010, venture capitalist Joe Leob and Hollywood executive Peter Goober bought the Golden State Warriors for $450 million, one of

the highest franchise prices at the time. At the time, many observers

time. At the time, many observers questioned whether that price was too steep given the Warriors performance and venue situation. Fast forward, the

venue situation. Fast forward, the Warriors have won four NBA championships 2015 2017 2018 2022.

Had historic seasons, including a 73-9 record in 2016. Historic win last night in the NBA. The Golden State Warriors surpassing the Bulls record overnight,

notching their 73rd regular season victory.

>> And now rank among the most valuable franchises. Recent reports estimate

franchises. Recent reports estimate their value in the 8 to9 billion range or more. Leakob a longtime partner at

or more. Leakob a longtime partner at Kleiner Perkins and Goober producer of Rainman, Batman, The Color Purple, etc. have overseen major investments,

including building the Chase Center in San Francisco, which has become a major revenue driver. Houston Rockets, Tilman

revenue driver. Houston Rockets, Tilman Fertitta, the hospitality magnet behind Landre's Inc. and the Golden Nugget Casino chain purchased the Houston

Rockets in 2017 for $2.2 billion, becoming the sole individual owner of the franchise. His business background

the franchise. His business background in restaurants and entertainment without minority partners in the deal makes him unique among NBA owners. Fertida's

ownership reignited the Rocket's operational integration with his other businesses, restaurants, event venue control via Toyota Center, etc. As of

mid 2025, his net worth is estimated at approximately $10.8 billion. While the

franchise's two NBA championships came in 1994 and 1995 under previous ownership, the value of the Rockets under Fertitta has climbed

significantly. Indiana Pacers. Herb

significantly. Indiana Pacers. Herb

Simon is the NBA's longest tenur owner, having acquired the Indiana Pacers in 1983 alongside his late brother Mel for

roughly $11 million in a deal that kept the franchise in Indianapolis. Herb and

his late brother Mel bought the Pacers in 1983 for just $11 million.

>> As I recall, the meeting only lasted 20 or 30 minutes. At the end of it, we owned the team. Simon made his fortune in real estate, co-founding what became

Simon Property Group, one of the world's largest mall operators. The Simon family currently controls around 80% of the team with a minority stake held by

businessman Steven Rails. While the

Pacers haven't captured an NBA championship under his tenure, they've been consistent playoff contenders and reached the Eastern Conference Finals in

2013. As of 2024, Forbes values the

2013. As of 2024, Forbes values the franchise at about $3.6 billion. That

means Simon's original investment has grown by roughly 327 times. A truly

remarkable return. LA Clippers. In 2014,

Steve Balmer, former CEO of Microsoft, purchased the Los Angeles Clippers for $2 billion, a records shattering price for an NBA franchise at the time. Balmer

owns 100% of the team with no minority partners and has invested heavily in infrastructure, including acquiring the forum, securing land in Englewood, and

developing the Inuit Dome Arena.

Although he has poured resources into the franchise, the championship title has so far eluded the Clippers. Balmer's

net worth is estimated by some outlets to be over $120 billion. Valuation

estimates for the Clippers vary with several reports placing their value significantly higher than the purchase price, though I did not find a reliable

source confirming $3.7 billion as the current figure. LA Lakers. The Los

current figure. LA Lakers. The Los

Angeles Lakers have been in the Bus family since 1979 when real estate mogul Jerry Bus bought the franchise for $67.5

million. Sherry Bus, the late great

million. Sherry Bus, the late great owner, bought the team in 1979 for $67.5 million. After his death in 2013, his

million. After his death in 2013, his daughter, Jeanie Bus, became the controlling owner and has served as team governor ever since. In 2025, the Bus

family agreed to sell a majority stake in the Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter under a deal valuing the franchise at $10 billion, breaking all records for a

professional sports team valuation.

>> For a franchise valuation of about $10 billion, which would be the highest price tag ever for a US professional sports team, >> Jeanie Bus will remain the team governor

and retain at least a 15% ownership stake. This deal marks the end of nearly

stake. This deal marks the end of nearly five decades of full bus family control.

Memphis Grizzlies. In 2012, tech entrepreneur Robert Pah, founder of networking gear company Ubiquity, purchased the Memphis Grizzlies for

about $350 to $377 million, becoming one of the youngest controlling owners in NBA history. At that time, his net worth

NBA history. At that time, his net worth was estimated around $1.5 billion.

Though subject to big swings tied to his tech business, Pah's acquisition helped stabilize the franchise in Memphis, where relocation had been a concern under the previous ownership. Over the

years, the Grizzlies have grown into consistent playoff competitors. As of

2025, CNBC values the franchise at about $3.2 billion, roughly an 8.5 to9 times return on Pah's original investment. But

not every ownership story is about tech money and billiondollar returns. Some

fortunes are inherited.

Miami Heat. Mickey Arison inherited control of the Miami Heat in 1995, taking the reigns from his father, Ted Arison, to become the team's majority

owner. Arison made his fortune in

owner. Arison made his fortune in cruising chairing Carnival Corporation and as of 2025 is estimated to be worth around 8 to10 billion depending on the

source. Under his ownership, the Heat

source. Under his ownership, the Heat have won three NBA championships 2006, 2012, 2013 and have remained a

consistently competitive franchise.

Arison owns about 88% of the team with minority investors filling out the rest.

When the franchise joined the NBA in 1988, the expansion cost was just over $30 million. While some reports have

$30 million. While some reports have placed the Heat's current valuation higher, for instance, approximately $3 billion in a recent Forbes estimate, I

didn't find a credible source that confirms exactly $4.3 billion.

Milwaukee Bucks. The Milwaukee Bucks are co-owned by Wesley West Edens and Jimmy Hasslam with D. Hasslam, also part of the Hasslam ownership group. Edens, a

finance and investment veteran, and Hlam, whose family built the Pilot Flying J truck stop business, purchased the Bucks in 2014 for $550 million. The

payoff was huge. Under their

stewardship, the Bucks built the modern Fizzer Forum Arena, developed the surrounding deer district in downtown Milwaukee, and won their first NBA

championship in 50 years in 2021, led by Yanis onto Takmpo. As of late 2024, early 2025, Forbes values the Bucks at

about 4 to4.1 billion.

Meanwhile, Jimmy Hlam's net worth is estimated around $8.5 billion.

Minnesota Timberwolves.

Things got messy in Minnesota. In 2023,

former baseball superstar Alex Rodriguez and e-commerce millionaire Mark Lure agreed to purchase the Minnesota Timberwolves for $1.5 billion, acquiring

the franchise from longtime owner Glenn Taylor, who had bought the team in 1994 for $94 million. Lore, best known for

founding Jet.com and later selling it to Walmart, has an estimated net worth of around $4.9 billion, while Rodriguez's

sits around $350 million. The deal was structured as a phased bio, which sparked a legal dispute when Taylor briefly tried to pull out as team

valuations surged. After months of

valuations surged. After months of arbitration, the NBA officially approved the sale in 2025, completing a transaction that delivered Taylor nearly

a 16 time return on his original investment. Today, the Timberwolves are

investment. Today, the Timberwolves are valued around $3.3 billion, and the new ownership group is reportedly exploring plans for a modern arena to anchor the

team's next chapter. New Orleans

Pelicans. The New Orleans Pelicans are owned by Gail Benson, who inherited the team upon the death of her husband, Tom Benson, in 2018. Tom purchased the

franchise, then the Hornets, in 2012 for approximately $338 million, as part of a sports empire that includes the NFL's New Orleans Saints. Gail is now the

principal owner of both teams and controls them fully. Her net worth is currently estimated at $7.9 billion, making her one of the NBA's wealthier

owners. The Pelicans, while not yet

owners. The Pelicans, while not yet having won a championship, remain a stable franchise in a smaller market. As

of late 2024, Sportico values the Pelicans at approximately $3.1 billion.

New York Knicks. James Dolan has been one of basketball's most controversial owners for decades. He inherited control of the New York Knicks in 1999 from his

family, part of the Madison Square Garden empire, and oversees operations through MSG Sports. Despite criticisms,

the Knicks have seen their franchise value skyrocket. Forbes estimates their

value skyrocket. Forbes estimates their worth at $7.5 billion as of October 2024. Dolan's estimated net worth is

2024. Dolan's estimated net worth is more modest in recent reports. Some

sources place it around $2 billion.

significantly lower than some prior claims. Under his ownership, the Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973, but fans remember years of playoff

droughts, controversial decisions, high-profile feuds, including with Charles Oakley, and other offc court drama.

>> Sell the team.

>> You think I should sell the team?

>> You want to not come to any more games?

>> Why?

That's rude. You know what? enjoy

watching them on TV.

>> Still, Dolan benefits from being at the helm in New York, the biggest media market in the NBA, and operating the iconic Madison Square Garden. That

alone, combined with lucrative media, sponsorship, and arena deals, has fueled the Knicks value appreciation. Oklahoma

City Thunder. Klay Bennett, an Oklahoma City businessman, led a group that purchased the Seattle SuperSonics in 2006 for $350 million under the

Professional Basketball Club LLC. After

unsuccessful attempts to secure public funding for a new arena in Seattle, the franchise relocated in 2008, becoming the Oklahoma City Thunder, a move still

deeply controversial among Seattle fans.

to have the guy who stole the Sonics from Seattle and moved them to Oklahoma City chairing the relocation uh committee. I feel really sorry.

committee. I feel really sorry.

>> Under Bennett's ownership, the Thunder emerged as one of the league's well-run franchises, reaching the NBA finals in 2012 during the Kevin Durant era. Today,

the Forbes valuation for the Thunder is approximately 3.2 to3.5 billion, representing a substantial return on its

original investment. Orlando Magic. The

original investment. Orlando Magic. The

Orlando Magic are owned by the Devos family, heirs to the Amway fortune, founded by Richard Dvos. In 1991, DVOS purchased the Magic for $85 million, and

the team has remained in family hands since. His children now operating much

since. His children now operating much of the organization. Richard Devos was estimated to have a net worth of around $5.4 billion before his death. The

family's combined wealth remains substantial. While the Magic have made

substantial. While the Magic have made two NBA Finals appearances in 1995 and 2009, they've struggled to build sustained success in a smaller market.

As of 2025, CNBC values the Orlando Magic at approximately $3.55 billion.

Philadelphia 76ers. The Philadelphia

76ers are co-owned by private equity titans Josh Harris and David Blitzer who purchased the franchise in 2011 for

about $280 million as part of an Apollo global management investment group.

Paris, whose wealth comes from founding Apollo, is estimated to be worth 8 to10 billion, while Blitzer, long affiliated with Blackstone, holds a net worth of a

few billion as well. Under their

ownership, the Sixers embarked on the controversial multi-year strategy known as the process, which eventually led to playoff contention and an appearance in

the Eastern Conference Finals. As of

2025, CNBC values the 76ers at approximately $4.9 billion, vastly more than the purchase price. Phoenix Suns.

In December 2022, mortgage executive Matt Ishbia and his brother Justin struck a deal to purchase controlling interest in the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix

Mercury from Robert Sarver. in a

landmark deal valuing both franchises at approximately $4 billion, the highest NBA franchise sale price at the time.

>> Billionaire businessman Matt Ishbia is finalizing a deal to buy the Phoenix Suns and the Phoenix Mercury for around $4 billion.

>> Ishbia, who made his fortune as chairman and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage, was hedged in this transaction by Minority Partners and a phased ownership

buyin. His net worth is estimated at

buyin. His net worth is estimated at around $5.1 billion by Forbes. Before

Ishbia's ownership, the Suns had already reached the NBA finals in 2021, making the franchise a particularly attractive investment for a buyer confident in

building on that success. Portland

Trailblazers. The Portland Trailblazers were purchased by Microsoft co-founder Paul G. Allen in 1988 for $70 million.

Paul G. Allen in 1988 for $70 million.

When Allen passed away in 2018, his sister Jodie Allen assumed control of his sports portfolio, including the Blazers, through Paul G. Allen Trust. As

of 2025, the franchise is valued at approximately $3.65 billion, according to CNBC. The team has won one NBA

to CNBC. The team has won one NBA championship in 1977 and remained owned by the Allen estate, though a sale

process has officially begun.

Sacramento Kings. Vivc Ronad Diva, founder of software company Tipco, leads the ownership group that bought the

Sacramento Kings in 2013 for about $534 million, acquiring a 65% controlling stake and ending a proposed relocation

to Seattle. With minority partners,

to Seattle. With minority partners, including the Jacobs family of Qualcomm fame, the group has worked to stabilize the franchise and build for long-term

growth. As of 2025, CNBC values the

growth. As of 2025, CNBC values the Kings at $4.45 billion, more than eight times Ronald Dvy's purchase price. While estimates of

purchase price. While estimates of Ronald Dy's personal net worth are inconsistent across sources, the valuation leap underscores just how much

NBA team values have surged. San Antonio

Spurs. The San Antonio Spurs are majority owned by the Hol family, who first became the team's largest shareholders in 1996 when Peter M. Hol

and his wife Juliana Han Holt joined the ownership group. Under their

ownership group. Under their stewardship, the Spurs have won five NBA championships 1999 2003 2005 2007

and 2014, helping solidify a culture of consistency and excellence. According to

Forbes, the franchise is now valued at $3.85 billion as of October 2024. While

various sources estimate Peter Holt's personal net worth in the low hundreds of millions, a precise figure hasn't been reliably confirmed. The return on investment since the Hol family gained

controlling ownership has been substantial. Toronto Raptors. The

substantial. Toronto Raptors. The

Toronto Raptors are owned through Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, MLSSE, which is now 75% controlled by Rogers Communications after it purchased Bell

Canada's 37.5% stake, leaving the rest with Larry Tannen's Kilmer Sports, 20%. And the

OMR's pension fund, 5%. MLSSE includes

the Raptors as one of its flagship franchises. The Raptors entered the NBA

franchises. The Raptors entered the NBA in 1995 as part of its expansion into Canada and in 2019 made history as the league's first Canadian NBA champions.

Under the most recent valuations, Sportico estimates the Raptors alone are worth approximately $4.11 billion.

Utah Jazz. In 2020, entrepreneur Ryan Smith, co-founder of Qualrix, purchased a majority stake in the Utah Jazz from

the Miller family for $1.66 billion, ending the Miller's nearly 35 year ownership. Smith, whose net worth is now

ownership. Smith, whose net worth is now estimated at $2.6 billion, brought a techsavvy vision to the franchise. As of

2025, CNBC values the Jazz at about $3.75 billion, reflecting significant growth since the purchase.

Under both Smith and the Miller era, the Jazz have been consistent playoff contenders even as the championship has eluded them. Washington Wizards. Ted

eluded them. Washington Wizards. Ted

Leonsis, an early AOL executive who helped build the company during the internet boom, completed his purchase of the Washington Wizards, including

Verizon Center in 2010 from the Paulen estate for around $550 million in total for the arena and team assets. Though

Leonsus already held part of both prior, Leonsus is now the founder, majority owner, chairman, and CEO of Monumental

Sports and Entertainment. His net worth is estimated at about $3.1 billion as of mid 2025. Under his ownership, the

mid 2025. Under his ownership, the Wizards have remained a foundational team in Washington DC, although championships have remained elusive. As

of 2024, Forbes estimates the franchise's value at $4.1 billion.

From Joe Lacob's $450 million gamble that turned into an $ 8.6 billion empire to the Celtics records shattering $6.1

billion sale to the Lakers pending $10 billion deal, NBA ownership has become one of the most lucrative investments in sports history. These 30 franchises are

sports history. These 30 franchises are collectively worth over a hundred billion dollar controlled by tech moguls, private equity titans, casino

empires, and inherited fortunes. Whether

they made their money in venture capital, cruise ships, or mortgage lending, one thing's clear. Owning an

NBA team isn't just about basketball anymore. It's about building a

anymore. It's about building a billiondoll brand. If you enjoyed this

billiondoll brand. If you enjoyed this deep dive, make sure to like the video, drop a comment with which NBA owner surprised you the most, and share this video with another basketball fan. And

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