© Kyle Terada | 2015 Nov 9
Joe Lacob has reason to smile.
His Golden State Warriors are worth $3.5 billion according to Forbes’ latest valuation that dropped on Wednesday. That makes them the third most valuable franchise in the NBA behind the New York Knicks ($4 billion) and the Los Angeles Lakers ($3.7 billion).
JUST IN: Forbes NBA Franchise Values
1. Knicks, $4 Billion
2. Lakers, $3.7 Billion
3. Warriors, $3.5 Billion
4. Bulls, $2.9 Billion
5. Celtics, $2.8 Billion
6. Nets, $2.3 Billion
7. Rockets, $2.2 Billiion
8. Clippers, $2.15 Billion
9. Mavs, $1.9 Billion
10. Heat, $1.7 Billion— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) February 6, 2019
The Warriors have the largest five-year gain in valuation of any NBA team, increasing in value by 367 percent during that time after being purchased for $450 million, a growth of over $3 billion. Golden State’s four consecutive trips to the NBA Finals likely have something to do with that. As pointed out by Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, Stephen Curry has made about $78.7 million, Klay Thompson about $55.2, Draymond Green $47.8, and Kevin Durant $51.5 during that same span.
Forbes predicts that the Warriors will be at the top of the total valuations list once they complete their move into the Chase Center next season.
“The Golden State Warriors are leaving Oracle Arena, the NBA’s oldest building, next season for the $1 billion Chase Center. The reigning league champs have secured $2 billion in contractually obligated income from sponsorships, suites and season ticket holder fees for the new arena. Look for the Warriors to challenge the Knicks as the NBA’s leading revenue generator.”