The Los Angeles Lakers‘ proposed sale for more than $12 billion would set a record for a North American sports team. But it would only be the latest example of the rapid increases in the value of pro franchises.

As leagues have become more welcoming to large ownership groups and venture capital firms joining their ranks, the dollar figures have skyrocketed.

In Forbes’ latest ranking of the 50 most valuable sports franchises, the Dallas Cowboys of the NFL topped the list − worth an astounding $13 billion. The Lakers, second among NBA teams to the Golden State Warriors, ranked fifth at $10 billion.

Most expensive sports teams

In terms of their most recent sale prices, here are the most expensive professional teams among the four major North American pro sports. The Lakers, at their proposed sale price of more than $12 billion, would go to the top of this list:

(Note: The Seattle Seahawks announced last month that a group led by venture capitalist Vinod Khosla will purchase the team for $9.6 billion. That sale still must be approved by the NFL.)

1. $10 billion, Los Angeles Lakers. (To Mark Walter in 2025)
2. $6.1 billion, Boston Celtics. (To BIll Chisholm in 2025)
3. $6.05 billion, Washington Commanders. (To Josh Harris in 2023)
4. $4.65 billion, Denver Broncos. (To Walton-Penner family in 2022)
5. $4.25 billion, Portland Trail Blazers (To Tom Dundon in 2026)
6. $4 billion, Phoenix Suns/Mercury. (To Mat Ishbia in 2022)
7. $3.5 billion, Dallas Mavericks. (To Adelson, Dumont families in 2023)
8. $3 billion, Charlotte Hornets. (To Gabe Plotkin, Rich Schnall in 2023)
9. $2.475 billion, New York Mets. (To Steve Cohen in 2020)
10. $2.35 billion, Brooklyn Nets. (To Joe Tsai in 2019)\

How much were the Lakers sold for?

The Los Angeles Lakers are being sold for a record $12.5 billion less than two years after Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner and TWG Global CEO Mark Walter bought the team from the Buss Family. The deal was first reported by ESPN.

The sale to businessman Joshua Kushner and former Disney CEO Robert Iger would mark the highest amount ever paid for a North American sports franchise, surpassing the $10 billion that Walter paid for the Lakers. — Scooby Axson