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The world of sports has seen some jaw-dropping sales in recent years, with billionaires and investment groups paying huge amounts to buy some of the biggest sports teams on the planet. With the recent sale of the Los Angeles Lakers, we look at the top 10 most expensive sports team sales in the history of American sports.
The Los Angeles Lakers, one of the most famous basketball teams in the world, have just been sold in a stunning deal worth $10 billion, making it the most expensive sports team sale in history.
The Lakers sale has shocked the entire sporting world with this move, with the Buss family agreeing to sell the controlling stake of the team to TWG Global CEO Mark Walter.
Let us now look at the top 10 most expensive sports team sales of all time, with the Lakers now at the top.
10. Carolina Panthers – $2.275 billion (2018)
Buyer: David Tepper
Sport: NFL (American Football)
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The Carolina Panthers were sold to hedge fund billionaire David Tepper for $2.275 billion in 2018. At the time, it was the largest NFL franchise sale, signalling the rising value of sports teams in the United States.
The Panthers have a strong fan base in North and South Carolina and have been to the Super Bowl twice.
9. Brooklyn Nets – $2.35 billion (2019)
Buyer: Joe Tsai
Sport: NBA (Basketball)
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In 2019, Chinese billionaire Joe Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba, purchased full ownership of the Brooklyn Nets for $2.35 billion. The deal also included the Barclays Center, their home arena. With the arrival of superstars like Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving shortly after, the Nets became a strong force in the NBA.
8. New York Mets – $2.4 billion (2020)
Buyer: Steve Cohen
Sport: MLB (Baseball)
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In 2020, billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen bought the New York Mets for $2.4 billion. The Mets, one of Major League Baseball’s most popular teams, became the most expensive MLB sale at the time. Cohen promised to invest heavily to bring success to the team’s loyal fan base.
7. Charlotte Hornets – $3 billion (2023)
Buyers: Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall
Sport: NBA (Basketball)
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In 2023, Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall teamed up to buy the Charlotte Hornets for $3 billion. This marked the exit of basketball legend Michael Jordan from majority ownership.
Although not one of the most successful NBA teams, the Hornets have strong market potential, making them attractive to investors.
6. Dallas Mavericks – $3.5 billion (2023)
Buyers: Miriam Adelson and Patrick Dumont
Sport: NBA (Basketball)
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The Dallas Mavericks were sold for $3.5 billion in 2023 to Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, and businessman Patrick Dumont. She is among the top 10 richest sports team owners in the world.
The Mavericks are one of the NBA’s exciting teams, and the purchase was seen as a long-term investment in sports and entertainment.
5. Phoenix Suns & Mercury – $4 billion (2022)
Buyer: Matt Ishbia
Sport: NBA (Basketball), WNBA (Women’s Basketball)
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In 2022, mortgage billionaire Matt Ishbia completed the purchase of the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) for $4 billion. The Suns had risen in profile after making the NBA Finals in 2021, and the deal included ownership of both men’s and women’s teams, making it one of the largest packages in basketball history.
4. Denver Broncos – $4.65 billion (2022)
Buyer: Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group
Sport: NFL (American Football)
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The Denver Broncos were sold in 2022 for a staggering $4.65 billion to the Walton-Penner Family Ownership Group, which is tied to the Walmart fortune. This set the record for an NFL team at the time. With a rich history, including three Super Bowl titles, the Broncos remain one of the league’s most followed franchises.
3. Washington Commanders – $6.05 billion (2023)
Buyer: Josh Harris, Harris Ownership Group
Sport: NFL (American Football)
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Josh Harris and his Harris Ownership Group completed the purchase of the Washington Commanders in 2023 for $6.05 billion. It broke NFL records for franchise sales. With a loyal fan base in the Washington D.C. area and a strong football history, the Commanders’ sale showed the increasing global value of NFL teams.
2. Boston Celtics – $6.1 billion (2025)
Buyer: Bill Chisholm
Sport: NBA (Basketball)
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The Boston Celtics, one of the most decorated teams in NBA history, were sold in 2025 to billionaire Bill Chisholm for $6.1 billion. With 17 NBA championships, the Celtics are basketball royalty, and their sale reflected their massive brand power. Their deep history in Boston and strong merchandise sales worldwide made them a prime target for investment.
1. Los Angeles Lakers – $10 billion (2025)
Buyer: Mark Walter
Sport: NBA (Basketball)
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The new number one is now official. The Los Angeles Lakers have been sold for a world record $10 billion. The deal was finalised in June 2025, with the Buss family agreeing to sell their majority stake to billionaire Mark Walter, who already co-owns the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team.
The Lakers are a global brand, with a history full of legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, while they also have one of the largest fan bases in sports. Their success on the court, with multiple NBA championships, has made them an icon of American sports culture.
The record-breaking $10 billion sale shows the growing influence of American sports teams globally. It also highlights the future of sports business, where entertainment, social media, and sports come together to create billion-dollar empires.
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