NBA Ownership Turnover Outpaces Other Major Leagues Over Past Decade

The useful part

The NBA has experienced a significant surge in franchise ownership changes compared to other major North American leagues. Thirteen NBA teams have changed control since 2017, more than double the total seen in the NFL, NHL or MLB over the same period. By comparison, the NHL has seen eight control sales since 2018, six for the MLB since 2017, and just four in the NFL since 2018.

How it works

• NBA sales during that timespan include the Houston Rockets, Brooklyn Nets, Utah Jazz, Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, Charlotte Hornets and Dallas Mavericks, followed by the current wave of transactions...
• Of 31 total control sales across the four major leagues over the past decade, 23 have occurred in the last five years, including nine within the past 12 months alone.
• Much of the NBA's surge coincides with the implementation of the league's 11-year, $76 billion national media rights deal, which has boosted investment appeal despite some disruption in local media markets.
• NBA franchise valuations have also remained comparatively more accessible than NFL teams, whose price tags have climbed beyond the reach of many billionaires.
• Many sellers have also been drawn by offers that significantly exceeded their original purchase price.

Details worth keeping

Timberwolves have each changed hands twice within that span. The scale of the reported $12.5 billion Lakers sale could further extend the NBA's lead in ownership turnover, as other owners recalibrate expectations around valuations and bidders continue pursuing high-value offers across the league.