Current Lakers Valuation and Ownership
The Los Angeles Lakers franchise is currently valued at an estimated $6.4 billion as of the latest Forbes NBA team valuations, making the team the second most valuable in the league behind the Golden State Warriors. This valuation reflects a significant increase from the $5.5 billion estimated in 2023, driven by strong media rights deals and consistent on-court performance. The primary ownership entity is Lakers LP, controlled by the Buss family trust, with Dr. Jeanie Buss serving as controlling owner. The trust structure ensures the team remains within the family for the foreseeable future. For the latest Forbes ranking, see Forbes NBA valuations.
The purchase price history is a key benchmark for the current valuation. The Buss family acquired the team in 1979 for a then-record $67.5 million. The most recent transaction involving a controlling interest was the 2017 sale of a 4.5% stake to a group led by Bruce Makowsky, which implied a total team value of approximately $4 billion at that time. The current $6.4 billion figure represents a compound annual growth rate that far outpaces the S&P 500 over the same period. This valuation does not include the value of the team's practice facility or the surrounding Hollywood Park development land owned by the Buss family.
Revenue Streams and Financial Performance
The Lakers' revenue model is heavily diversified across national media rights, local broadcasting, and gate receipts. The team is a key part of the NBA's current 11-year, $76 billion media rights deal with ESPN and TNT, which began in the 2025 season and provides a massive shared revenue pool. On the local level, Spectrum SportsNet holds the exclusive regional television rights, a deal that was recently extended through 2023 with a reported value of around $3 billion. The team's gate revenue is bolstered by consistently high ticket prices at Crypto.com Arena, with courtside seats commanding prices upwards of $15,000 per game. For details on the NBA's media deal, see CNBC NBA TV deal.
Operating income and valuation are further boosted by the team's global brand and commercial partnerships. The Lakers' sponsorship portfolio includes partnerships with companies like Bibigo, Uber Eats, and Honey, generating significant non-media revenue. The team's merchandise sales consistently rank in the top three in the NBA, a factor that directly increases the franchise's overall value. The Buss family also benefits from a revenue-sharing model within the NBA, which redistributes national media income to all 30 teams, though the Lakers' massive local revenue keeps them as a net contributor. The team's financial structure is audited and reported in accordance with standard NBA financial regulations.
Comparative Analysis and Future Projections
In the context of the broader NBA, the Lakers' valuation places them firmly in the top tier of franchises. As of the latest reports, the Golden State Warriors hold the top spot at an estimated $7.7 billion, followed by the Lakers at $6.4 billion. The New York Knicks and Boston Celtics are also valued above $6 billion, reflecting the premium placed on large-market teams with historic brand recognition. The Lakers' valuation is directly tied to their ability to secure star players and maintain a competitive roster, which drives attendance and viewership. The team's valuation has grown by an average of 15% annually over the past decade, a rate that exceeds most traditional sports franchises. For the most recent valuation data, see