Lakers Lead List of Most Expensive U.S. Pro Sports Teams Ever Sold

The Los Angeles Lakers were sold to Mark Walter, who’s also the owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers, on Wednesday, June 18, for an astounding $10 billion. Jeanie Buss, the daughter of the late Dr. Jerry Buss, has been the governor ever since her dad bought the team in 1979. Buss will reportedly retain her role as the team’s governor after the sale is finalized. Let’s take a look at the largest amounts in history paid to purchase a North American sports franchise.

1. Los Angeles Lakers

Sold in 2025 for $10 billion

2. Boston Celtics

Sold in 2025 for $6.1 billion

3. Washington Commanders

Sold in 2023 for $6.05 billion

4. Denver Broncos

Sold in 2022 for $4.65 billion

5. Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury

Sold in 2023 as a package deal for both the Suns and the WNBA’s Mercury for $4 billion

6. Dallas Mavericks

Sold in 2023 for $3.5 billion

7. Charlotte Hornets

Sold in 2023 for $3 billion

8. New York Mets

Sold in 2020 for $2.4 billion

9. Brooklyn Nets

Sold in 2019 for $2.35 billion

10. Carolina Panthers

Sold in 2017 for $2.275 billion

11. Houston Rockets

Sold in 2019 for $2.2 billion

12. Los Angeles Dodgers

Sold in 2012 for $2.15 billion

13. Los Angeles Clippers

Sold in 2014 for $2 billion

Conclusion

These ROIs are why wealthy individuals want to be an owner or part-owner of a professional sports team. Revenues and ratings are up across the board. The United States is a sports-obsessed nation, and these values prove it. Jeanie Buss sold the Lakers for $10 billion. Her late father would be proud, considering he bought the team in 1979 from Jack Kent Cooke for $67.5 million. A pretty, pretty good investment.