The landscape of professional sports ownership in the United States has entered a new echelon, with franchise sales reaching unprecedented financial heights. Driven by media rights, global fanbases, lucrative sponsorships, teams across the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL have come coveted assets for billionaire investors. The recent $10 billion sale of the Los Angeles Lakers in 2025, set a new benchmark, surpassing all previous records and highlighting the escalating value of franchises.
These blockbuster deals reflect not just the prestige of owning a team but also the economic potential of sports when it comes to entertainment empires. From NFL juggernauts like the Washington Commanders to NBA powerhouses like the Boston Celtics, this top 10 franchise sales showcases a mix of historic brands and modern market dynamics coming together. As the global popularity of American sports continues to increase, the financial stakes also continue to climb, redefining what it means to own a franchise of that size in this day and age.
The Lakers sale shattered records, fueled by team’s global brand, 17 championships, some of the most iconic players to play in the purple and gold, including LeBron James and Luka Doncic currently. New ownership aims to expand the franchise’s empire even more.
The defending champions’ sale reflects their storied 18-title legacy and a booming NBA market, with investors eyeing long-term growth.
Josh Harris’ group acquired the Commanders, ending Daniel Snyder’s controversial tenure. The NFL’s revenue-sharing market and D.C market most likely drove the high price of acquiring the franchise.
The Walter-Penner group’s purchase highlighted the NFL’s priciest sale at the time, which was bolstered by the league’s massive TV deals and Denver’s loyal fanbase.
Mat Ishbia’s acquisition capitalized on the Suns’ recent Finals run and the NBA’s global appeal, setting a new standard for mid-market teams. However, so far, Ishbia has not seen the fruits of acquiring the Suns as they haven’t gotten close to winning a championship, despite Ishbia’s aggressive approach.
Mark Cuban decided to sell a majority stake in 2023 and frankly nobody saw that coming. He loved Luka Doncic and the Mavs and you can still see him attending some of the games, but now they have a new owner with Miriam Adelson, along with Sivan and Patrick Dumont, who infamously decided to trade Luka Doncic for Anthony Davis in February.
Hornets’ previous owner was none other than Michael Jordan, who decided to sell the franchise away to a group led by Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin in 2023. Not many expected Jordan to sell the team away, but it was probably for the best. The franchise under Jordan, was performing subpar and were not the best at picking great players from the draft either.
Steve Cohen’s purchase brought financial stability to the Mets, capitalizing on New York’s market and the team’s World Series pedigree.
Joe Tsai’s deal included Barclay Center, reflecting the Nets’ revival and star-driven roster at the time with Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and James Harden playing together. However, Tsai did not get what he originally intended to, and these three stars had a messy tenure playing for the Nets.
David Tepper bought the Panthers for a record $2 billion in 2017, but the team has struggled under his ownership, disappointing the fanbase. However, the Panthers did draft WR Tetairoa McMillan from the 2025 NFL draft, and there is some hope that the team can improve this season.
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