In the last half century, sports franchise valuations have skyrocketed, largely due in part to lucrative media rights and global marketing.
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In view of the most expensive deals ever recorded in sports history, here are the Top 10:
10.) Carolina Panthers ($2.275 billion, 2018): David Tepper, a hedge fund billionaire and minority owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers, purchased the franchise from team founder, Jerry Richardson.
9.) New York Mets ($2.4 billion, 2020): Steve Cohen purchase the team from Sterling Equities, ending the Wilpon family's 34-year ownership of the team.
8.) Charlotte Hornets ($3 billion, 2023): Michael Jordan sold his majority stake to a group backed by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.
7.) Dallas Mavericks ($3.5 billion, 2023): Mark Cuban sold his majority share of the team to the Adelson and Dumont families.
6.) Phoenix Suns ($4 billion, 2023): Mat Ishbia bought both the NBA Suns and WNBA Mercury from Robert Sarver.
5.) Denver Broncos ($4.65 billion, 2022): Walton-Penner family ownership group purchased the team from the Pat Bowlen Trust.
4.) Chelsea ($5.2 billion, 2022): Todd Boehly/Clearlake Capital consortium purchased the Premier League team from Roman Abramovich (19-year tenure) after rumors of alleged ties to Russia president Vladimir Putin, which brought about sanctions.
3.) Commanders ($6.05 billion, 2023): The NFL's most costly sale to date, the Washington Commanders were purchased by Josh Harris' group from the Snyder Family.
2.) Celtics ($6.1 billion, 2025): The Boston Celtics were sold to Bill Chisholm of Symphony Technology Group, the most expensive sale at that time.
1.) Lakers ($10 billion, 2025): The Buss Family sold their majority stake of the Los Angeles Lakers to Mark Walter for a record-breaking $10 billion dollars.
Related: Fans React To Jeanie Buss Selling Lakers For Record-Breaking $10 Billion
