The world of sport shake again: after the record sale of the Lakers, we review the most millionaire transactions in history.
Photo: EFE – Caroline Brehman
Summary and Fast Informame
Listen to this article
Audio generated with Google
In the world of professional sports, money flows to levels that only a few sectors can match. Beyond the show on the court or the field, another battle is fought: that of the heaviest wallets. The acquisitions of sports clubs, in particular, have reached astronomical figures that not only reflect the economic value of these franchises, but also their cultural and emotional weight for millions of fans.
Next, we review the ten most expensive purchases in the history of sport, transactions that redefined the market and captured the attention of the entire world.
1. Los Angeles Lakers (NBA, USA) – $ 10 billion
Three days ago, the legendary Los Angeles Lakers were sold by $ 10 billionthe highest figure ever paid by a sports franchise. The group led by Mark Walter, CEO of Guggenheim Partners and owner of the Dodgers, took control of the team, ending a 45 -year era of the Buss family in command. With 11 NBA championships under their management, the Lakers leave an imposing legacy and a consolidated global market.
2. Boston Celtics (NBA, USA) – $ 6.1 billion
The eternal rival of the Lakers, the Boston Celtics, also starred in a historical sale. Bill Chizem agreed to pay $ 6.1 billion For the franchise, whose transaction will be closed at the end of the 2024/25 season. WyC Grousbeck had bought the team in 2002 for just $ 360 million, which represents a gain of almost 17 times its investment.
3. Washington Commanders (NFL, EE. UU.) — $6.05 mil millones
In 2023, Josh Harris led a group that acquired the Washington Commanders by $ 6.05 billionthe most expensive sale in the history of the NFL. Despite the scandals under the administration of Dan Snyder, the capital franchise maintained a robust market value. Snyder had bought the equipment for $ 800 million in 1999, marking a return of more than 650%.
4. Denver Broncos (NFL, USA) – $ 4.65 billion
The Walton-Penner family, heiress of the Wal-Mart Empire, acquired the Denver Broncos in 2022 by $ 4.65 billion. The team, with a solid fan base and a historical reputation in the NFL, widely exceeded the previous sales record in the League.
5. Chelsea FC (Premier League, England) – $ 4.25 billion
In 2022, in the midst of global political tensions, Roman Abramovich sold Chelsea to a consortium led by Todd Boehly by $ 4.25 billion. This figure included £ 2.5 billion for direct purchase and an additional commitment of £ 1.75 billion in future investments. It was the most expensive transaction outside American sports and reaffirmed the global weight of the Premier League.
6. Phoenix Suns and Mercury (NBA/WNBA, USA) – $ 4 billion
Matt Ishbia bought the Phoenix Suns (NBA) and Phoenix Mercury (WNBA) in 2023 by $ 4 billion. The sale occurred after a series of controversies that forced Robert Sarver to detach himself from the teams.
7. Charlotte Hornets (NBA, USA) – $ 3 billion
Michael Jordan, who had acquired the Hornets in 2010 for $ 275 million, sold the franchise in 2023 to Rick Schnall and Gabe Plotkin for $ 3 billion. Despite years without great sports achievements, the HORNET brand maintained its commercial weight, consolidating Jordan as the richest player in the history of basketball.
8. New York Mets (MLB, USA) – $ 2.4 billion
Steve Cohen, a financial magnate, bought the New York Mets in 2020 for $ 2.4 billionbreaking records in the MLB. The operation was a strategic play to capitalize on the enormous commercial potential of New York, one of the world's largest markets.
9. Brooklyn Nets (NBA, USA) – $ 2.35 billion
In 2019, Joe Tsai finished the total purchase of the Brooklyn Nets by $ 2.35 billionhaving acquired 49% previously. The Barclays Center, valued at more than $ 3 billion, contributed to the attractiveness of the franchise.
10. Carolina Panthers (NFL, USA) – $ 2,275 billion
David Tepper bought the Carolina Panthers in 2018 by $ 2,275 billionestablishing a new record in the NFL at the time. The sale occurred after complaints against the previous owner, Jerry Richardson.
🚴🏻⚽🏀 The latest in sports?: Everything you should know about world sport is in the spectator
