The most expensive sales of NBA teams ever

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Despite the hoopla about dwindling TV ratings and concerns about trolling surrounding that topic, from purely a business standpoint, the NBA appears to be in a healthier place than ever.

The latest example is the Boston Celtics being sold for $6.1 billion, surpassing the NFL's Washington Commanders for the highest amount ever paid for a U.S. sports team.

Below, check out the list we put together of the biggest NBA team sales in league history.

1. Boston Celtics: $6.1 billion​

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Bought by Bill Chisholm in 2025. The team had been bought by Wyc Grousbeck in 2002 for $360 million

2. Phoenix Suns: $4 billion​

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Bought by Mat Ishbia in 2022. The team had been bought by Robert Sarver in 2004 for $401 million

3. Brooklyn Nets: $3.3 billion​

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Bought by Joe Tsai in 2019. The team had been bought by Mikhail Prokhorov in 2010 for $200 million

4. Houston Rockets: $2.2 billion​

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Bought by Tilman Fertitta in 2017. The team had been bought by Leslie Alexander in 1993 for $85 million

5. Los Angeles Clippers: $2.0 billion​

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Bought by Steve Ballmer in 2014. The team had been bought by Donald Sterling in 1981 for $12.5 million

6. Utah Jazz: $1.6 billion​

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Bought by Ryan Smith in 2020. The team had been bought by Larry H. Miller in 1986 for $14 million

7. Minnesota Timberwolves: $1.5 billion​

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As of February 2025, a three-person arbitration panel ruled in favor of Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore, so they can finally acquire a controlling stake in the Timberwolves and the WNBA's Minnesota Lynx. The team had been bought by Glen Taylor in 1994 for $88 million

8. Toronto Raptors: $1.3 billion​

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Rogers and Bell bought 75 percent of MLSE (Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment) in 2011, although Larry Tannenbaum remains as chairman. The team had been bought by MLSE in 1998 for $467 million

9. New York Knicks: $1.1 billion​

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Bought by Cablevision Systems Corp. in 1994. The team had been bought by Gulf and Western Industries in 1977 for $185 million

10. Atlanta Hawks: $850 million​

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Bought by Tony Ressler in 2015. The team had been bought by Atlanta Spirit in 2004 for $250 million

11. New York Knicks: $650 million​

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ITT Corp. sold its interest to its partner Cablevision in 1997. The team had been bought by Cablevision Systems Corp. in 1994 for $1.1 billion.

12. Milwaukee Bucks: $550 million​

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Bought by Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry in 2014. The team had been bought by Herb Kohl in 1985 for $18 million

13. Washington Wizards: $550 million​

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Bought by Ted Leonsis in 2010. The team had been bought by Abe Pollin in 1964 for $1.1 million

14. Sacramento Kings: $534 million​

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Bought by Vivek Ranadive in 2013. The team had been bought by George, Joe and Gavin Maloof in 1998 for $156 million

15. Golden State Warriors: $450 million​

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Bought by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber in 2010. The team had been bought by Chris Cohan in 1995 for $119 million

16. Denver Nuggets: $450 million​

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Stan Kroenke bought the Nuggets along with the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and their home arena in 2000 for $450 million. The team had been bought by Communications Satellite in 1989 for $54 million

17. Phoenix Suns: $401 million​

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Bought by Robert Sarver in 2004. The team had been bought by Jerry Colangelo in 1987 for $44.5 million

18. Cleveland Cavaliers: $375 million​

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Bought by Dan Gilbert in 2005. The team had been bought by Gordon Gund in 1983 for $20 million

19. Boston Celtics: $360 million​

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Bought by Wyc Grousbeck in 2002. The team had been bought by Don Gaston, Paul Dupee and Alan Cohen in 1983 for $15 million

20. Memphis Grizzlies: $350 million​

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Bought by Robert Pera in 2012. The team had been bought by Michael Heisley in 2001 for $160 million

21. Oklahoma City Thunder: $350 million​

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Bought by Clay Bennett in 2006. The team had been bought by Howard Schultz in 2001 for $200 million when the team was in Seattle, then moved to Oklahoma City

22. New Orleans Pelicans: $338 million​

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Bought by Tom Benson in 2012. The team had been bought by George Shinn in 1987 for $32.5 million

This article originally appeared on Hoops Hype: The most expensive sales of NBA teams ever

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