Business Daily – What Makes a Basketball Team Worth $10bn?

BBC World Service | Host: Guy Kilty | Air Date: November 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, host Guy Kilty dives into the record-setting $10 billion sale of the LA Lakers, exploring how a US sports team can command such a staggering valuation. Through insightful conversations with sports economists, finance experts, and Lakers commentators, the episode unpacks what drives professional sports team values ever higher, how US sports economics compare globally, and the broader impacts of this blockbuster deal.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The $10 Billion Lakers Deal: Context and Reaction

• Announcement & Background:

  • The Buss family sold their majority stake in the LA Lakers to billionaire Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners, in a deal valuing the team at $10 billion – the highest ever for a US sports franchise.
  • The Buss family had owned the Lakers for 45 years, overseeing 11 NBA championships and creating one of the most iconic brands in sport.
  • [01:21] “The Buss family has agreed to sell the majority ownership of the Lakers to Mark Walter for a cool $10 billion, the highest ever for US professional sports franchise.” — BBC Narrator

• Fan Reaction:

  • Mixed feelings of sadness over the end of a family legacy, but hopeful optimism for new resources and future success.
  • [02:55] “It’s kind of sad… I like the fact that it's been Jerry Buss family being in control. But the good thing is they have more resources to get players… I think it’s a good move in the long run.” — Lakers Fan
  • Magic Johnson, Lakers legend, publicly praised Jeanie Buss for striking “an incredible deal and picking the right person to carry on the Lakers legacy and tradition of winning.” [03:31]

2. What Makes the Lakers So Valuable?

• Global Brand & Superstar Power:

  • Generational fans and a legacy of superstar athletes from Magic Johnson to Kobe Bryant and LeBron James make the Lakers a global phenomenon.
  • [05:08] “The Lakers are something that have become generational not just in Southern California…there is this rich history and tradition…They've had a who's who of superstars…” — Trevor Lane, Lakers Nation

• Scarcity & Asset Appreciation:

  • Top-tier US sports franchises are limited in number, driving up scarcity value. Their market value often grows non-correlated with other asset classes.
  • [09:17] “A better recognition of the scarcity value of these assets.” — Kurt Badenhausen, Sportico
  • [10:02] “Basically it just keeps going up and up and up and up. They don’t decline in value.” — Kurt Badenhausen

• Broadcasting Windfalls & Salary Caps:

  • The NBA’s $77 billion national broadcast deal (2024–2035) and lucrative local TV contracts (Lakers receive ~$200 million/year from Charter Communications) steadily boost team revenues.
  • [11:28] “The two things that are the real drivers, it’s your venue and it’s your broadcast contract. The Lakers are unique in both respects. They have the best broadcast contract in the sport…” — Kurt Badenhausen

• Private Equity’s New Role:

  • The NBA allowed private equity ownership in 2020, sending team valuations soaring by introducing deeper-pocketed buyers and institutional investment.
  • [12:11] “…teams and sports teams in general were run like mom and pop businesses…Now they’re paving the way for the next stage where data is king…” — Kurt Badenhausen

3. U.S. Sports Economics vs. Global Teams

• Closed vs. Open Leagues:

  • U.S. leagues (NBA, NFL, MLB) don’t have promotion/relegation, reducing investment risk versus European soccer whose clubs can be relegated to lower divisions.
  • [13:24] “American franchises tend to be much higher valued…Premier League has a global brand…but there’s more risk. If your team…gets relegated, then they're going to be worth less.” — Christina Filipou, University of Portsmouth

• Comparative Valuations:

  • Despite global appeal, Real Madrid ($6.75bn) and Manchester United ($6.6bn) trail the top NBA teams in valuations.
  • High-profile U.S. deals (like the Lakers') often drive up global sports team asking prices, but can also chill the market if sellers’ expectations outpace buyers’ willingness.

4. Commercialization, Stadiums, and Strategic Vision

• Venue Modernisation:

  • The Lakers’ nearly 25-year-old Crypto.com Arena may face competition from newer venues, which can offer greater revenue from signage, sponsorships, premium seating, and tech-driven experiences.
  • [07:37] “Opportunities for signage and sponsorships are greater in newer arenas…fundamentally you’ve got a successful asset and what Walter will be doing is looking at ways to connect that asset to other assets…” — Andrew Zimbalist, Smith College

• Data & Fan Monetization:

  • Teams increasingly leverage data and international reach, seeking new ways to monetize global fanbases.

5. Ripple Effects on Sports Business

• Market Signaling:

  • The Lakers' $10bn price can set a new floor for NBA team valuations and acts as a benchmark for sellers globally.
  • [16:04] “There is a knock-on effect, there’s no question about that…as franchise values went higher and higher…the old families…don’t have enough money anymore. So you have to bring together…private equity groups to raise more money.” — Andrew Zimbalist

• Consolidation & Changing Ownership:

  • Skyrocketing valuations push out old family owners in favor of consortiums or institutional investors, fundamentally changing what it means to own a sports team.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The Lakers have always attracted the attention of basketball fans. They're a very polarizing club. Whether you love them or you hate them.” — Trevor Lane (05:08)
• “They don’t decline in value. So I think that has helped allow it. Those family offices that want to dabble in sports team investments…I think it’s given it more cover or solidified it as a real asset class.” — Kurt Badenhausen (10:02)
• “American franchises…are closed leagues…you can’t get relegated, so the risk is much less, which means the profits are much higher. So you’re getting more money every year.” — Christina Filipou (14:11)
• “When you…allow private equity…there’s more money that flows into that market…signals to the marketplace that NBA franchises are worth more than they used to be worth.” — Andrew Zimbalist (16:59)

Important Timestamps

| Timestamp | Segment/Topic | |-------------|-----------------------------------------------------| | 01:21 | Sale announcement: Lakers sold for $10bn | | 02:55 | Lakers fans react | | 03:31 | Magic Johnson responds to the deal | | 04:08 | How the Buss family built the Lakers legacy | | 05:08 | The Lakers generational brand & superstar appeal | | 06:24 | Who are the new owners? Mark Walter & Guggenheim | | 07:37 | Stadium revenue, modernization, & strategic vision | | 09:17 | Scarcity and asset appreciation explained | | 10:39 | NBA national/local broadcast deals’ impact | | 12:11 | Private equity enters US sports | | 13:24 | Comparison with European/soccer economics | | 14:32 | Effects of Lakers’ price point on other teams | | 16:04 | Private equity’s impact on ownership & prices | | 17:39 | Final thoughts; Jeanie Buss remains as governor |

Conclusion

This episode offers a compelling explanation of why the LA Lakers—and US sports franchises more broadly—are skyrocketing in value. From media windfalls to global brand-building and the influx of private equity, the Lakers’ $10bn sale reflects both timeless sports charisma and the cutting edge of commercial strategy. As ownership patterns shift and benchmarks rise, what it means to own and value a sports team is rapidly evolving—setting the stage for future drama both on and off the court.