The Economics of the NBA: How Basketball Drives Billions in Revenue

The NBA has transformed from a niche American sport into one of the most valuable sports leagues on the planet. But how much money does the NBA actually make, and what makes it so profitable?

At Up in the Rafters, we break down the numbers and strategies behind the NBA's financial success, unpacking everything from media rights to revenue sharing and the business of basketball beyond the court.

The NBA's Financial Powerhouse: A Breakdown of Revenue Streams

The NBA isn't just about the game—it's about the business of entertainment. The league rakes in money from multiple sources, ensuring that every dunk, three-pointer, and championship parade comes with a hefty price tag. Let's dive into the key revenue streams that fuel the NBA's massive profits.

How Much Revenue Does the NBA Generate?

The NBA generated $12.25 billion in revenue during the 2024-25 season, averaging $408 million per team. This represents a remarkable growth trajectory:

The league's revenue has nearly doubled since the pandemic, growing 91% from $6.4 billion in 2021 to $12.25 billion today. By comparison, NFL teams made $22.2 billion, MLB clubs made $12.75 billion, NHL franchises made $7.7 billion, and MLS sides made $2.2 billion.

Basketball-Related Income (BRI): The Core of NBA Revenue

Basketball-Related Income (BRI) is the financial heartbeat of the NBA. It represents all league-generated revenue, which determines the salary cap—the maximum amount teams can spend on player salaries. BRI includes:

Ticket Sales & Concessions – Every seat filled at an arena contributes directly to a team's revenue. A franchise like the Golden State Warriors, which has one of the league's highest ticket prices, benefits greatly from this. The Warriors generate over $5 million per game in ticket revenue alone.

National & Local Media Rights – TV and streaming deals account for the largest chunk of the NBA's earnings. The new $76 billion media deal will transform league economics for the next decade.

Merchandising & Licensing – Think NBA jerseys, shoes, video games, and memorabilia, which generate hundreds of millions in revenue each season. This revenue is pooled and shared equally among all 30 teams.

Sponsorship Deals – The Nike and NBA partnership alone is worth $1 billion over eight years. Jersey patch deals, arena naming rights, and corporate partnerships add billions more.

However, not everything the NBA makes is counted as BRI. Revenue sharing, expansion fees, and fines collected from players or teams are excluded, ensuring a fairer distribution of money across franchises.

Basketball-related income was $10.25 billion last season, which is used to set the salary cap and ensure the 51-49 revenue split between players and owners outlined in the Collective Bargaining Agreement. More than $480 million went back to teams from the escrow fund last season to maintain this split.

For an in-depth look at how the NBA calculates BRI and its impact on the salary cap, check out this breakdown from Sporting News.

Media Rights & Broadcasting Deals: The NBA's Billion-Dollar Backbone

If there's one thing keeping the NBA's bank account overflowing, it's broadcasting deals. Live sports remain one of the few must-watch events on television, and networks are willing to pay premium prices for exclusive rights to air NBA games.

The New $76 Billion Media Deal

The NBA's landmark 11-year, $76 billion media agreement with Disney (ABC/ESPN), NBCUniversal, and Amazon Prime Video kicked in for the 2025-26 season. According to ESPN's comprehensive breakdown, here's how it breaks down:

This deal averages $6.9 billion annually—a staggering 160% increase from the previous contract. Each team's TV revenue jumped from $103 million to $143 million this season, with payouts rising roughly 7% annually through 2035-36.

The Previous Deal

The NBA was in a nine-year, $24 billion deal with ESPN and Turner Sports (TNT) that paid the league an average of $2.66 billion annually. TNT's nearly four-decade partnership with the NBA ended after the 2024-25 season when Warner Bros. Discovery's matching offer was rejected.

Streaming Revolution

As cable TV declines, streaming services have become essential to the NBA's media strategy:

• Amazon Prime Video – Now a major NBA partner with exclusive Thursday night games and playoff coverage

• Peacock – NBC's streaming platform hosts Monday night doubleheaders

• ESPN+ – Disney's streaming service carries additional NBA content

• Tencent (China) – A $1.5 billion partnership that expanded basketball's reach into one of its largest international markets, generating approximately $500 million annually

Broadcast Schedule Changes

The new deal dramatically changes when and where fans watch games:

• Monday: Peacock doubleheader (streaming)

• Tuesday: NBC regional broadcasts

• Wednesday: ESPN (traditional home)

• Thursday: Amazon Prime Video

• Friday/Saturday: ABC, ESPN, or Prime Video

• Sunday: NBC primetime after NFL season ends

Approximately 75 regular-season games will air on broadcast TV each season, up from just 15 under the previous agreement.

Want to see how these media deals stack up against other sports leagues? Forbes tracks the most expensive sports TV contracts ever signed.

Ticket Sales & Game-Day Revenue: The Cost of Watching NBA Basketball

Even with massive TV deals and sponsorships, ticket sales remain a crucial revenue source for NBA franchises. Gate revenue and arena operations generated $3.4 billion in 2024-25, accounting for 28% of total league revenue.

Big Market vs. Small Market

Teams in New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco charge premium prices, while smaller-market teams like Oklahoma City or Memphis have significantly lower ticket costs. The disparity is stark:

The Fan Cost Index (FCI)

The total cost for a family of four to attend an NBA game—including tickets, concessions, parking, and merchandise—averages around $450-500. This number skyrockets for marquee matchups like Lakers vs. Warriors or any playoff game.

Premium Seating Is King

Premium seating has become an increased priority for teams as fans and companies seek exclusive entertainment opportunities:

• The Los Angeles Clippers' new $2 billion Intuit Dome includes four courtside cabanas that cost $2 million per year—all are leased

• The Warriors generate $2.5 million per game from suites alone

• The Cleveland Cavaliers opened an invite-only private members club (HIPP) with five-figure annual membership fees

Special Events Drive Massive Revenue

The NBA All-Star Game, Finals, and Playoff games see massive spikes in ticket demand:

• Finals tickets regularly exceed $5,000-10,000 on the resale market

• Game 7 tickets can reach $30,000+ per seat

• The 2025 NBA Finals on ABC delivered the most-watched Finals game in 6 years, with 75 million viewers

For context on just how valuable NBA success has become, championship rings alone now cost teams $50,000-$150,000 each.

If you're curious about how ticket prices fluctuate based on team performance and market size, Statista tracks NBA ticket price trends across different seasons.

Sponsorships & Licensing Deals: The NBA's Corporate Goldmine

The NBA's ability to attract major corporate sponsors has been one of its greatest financial strengths. Brands are eager to associate with the league's high-profile stars and global audience.

Total Sponsorship Revenue

The NBA surpassed $1.6 billion in sponsorship revenue in 2024-25, according to industry reports. The breakdown by sector:

Nike's Dominant Partnership

Since 2017, Nike has been the official NBA uniform sponsor, replacing Adidas in a deal worth $1 billion over eight years. This represented a 245% increase from the previous Adidas partnership. Nike provides uniforms for all 30 teams and has exclusive rights to NBA-branded apparel.

Jersey Patch Sponsorships

In 2017, the NBA introduced jersey patches, allowing companies to place logos on player uniforms. This innovation has generated over $150 million annually from sponsors including:

• Rakuten (Warriors): $45 million/year

• Wish/Bibigo (Lakers): $20+ million/year

• Motorola (Bulls): Undisclosed multi-million deal

• Google (various teams): Major tech presence

The Clippers took the biggest financial leap in 2024-25, reaching over $100 million in sponsor revenue in Year 1 of the Intuit Dome—good for second in the NBA. The Warriors maintain first place and are closing in on $200 million in total sponsorship revenue.

Arena Naming Rights

Companies pay hundreds of millions for the rights to put their name on an NBA arena:

Licensing & Merchandising

Beyond sponsorships, the NBA profits enormously from licensing deals:

• NBA 2K video game series – One of the best-selling sports franchises, generating hundreds of millions annually

• Trading cards & collectibles – Panini's NBA card business has exploded in value

• NFTs & blockchain assets – NBA Top Shot has seen over $1 billion in transactions since launch

• Apparel & merchandise – Global sales in the billions, shared equally among teams

If you want a deep dive into how NBA sponsorships compare to other sports leagues, SportsPro Media ranks the most valuable sponsorship deals in professional sports.

Is the NBA Profitable?

Yes, the NBA is highly profitable. Most franchises operate with healthy margins, and the league's collective operating income demonstrates strong financial performance across the board.

The Golden State Warriors lead the league in revenue generation, earning $833 million in the 2024-25 season—the highest of any NBA club. The revenues ranged dramatically across the league:

Even the lowest-revenue team, the Memphis Grizzlies at $301 million, operates profitably. The tally is net of revenue-sharing that transferred roughly $400 million to low-revenue teams last year.

Key Profitability Indicators:

• Players receive 51% of Basketball-Related Income per the CBA

• Team payrolls total approximately $5.6 billion (45% of revenue)

• Operating income positive for 29 of 30 teams (Clippers had negative EBITDA of -$114M due to new arena costs)

• Average franchise value increased 20% year-over-year

• The Lakers led the league in profit despite trailing the Warriors by $250M in revenue, pointing to higher margins

How Much Is the NBA Worth?

The combined value of all 30 NBA franchises reached $165 billion in 2025, with the average team worth $5.51 billion. This represents a 113% increase from 2022 when the average franchise was valued at $2.58 billion.

Top 10 Most Valuable NBA Franchises (2025):

The Warriors' valuation makes them the second-most valuable sports franchise globally, behind only the Dallas Cowboys ($12.8 billion).

Recent Franchise Sales

The market for NBA teams has never been hotter:

• Boston Celtics (2024): Sold for over $6 billion, setting a new NBA record

• Los Angeles Lakers (2025): Mark Walter agreed to buy at a $10 billion valuation (16x revenue)

• Portland Trail Blazers (2025): Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon reached a deal for $4.25 billion (12x revenue)

Even the least valuable team, the Memphis Grizzlies, is worth $4 billion, establishing a high "get-in" price for potential NBA ownership. The Grizzlies actually had the most significant valuation increase this past year, rising from $3.06 billion to $4 billion (31%).

For the latest franchise rankings, Sportico, Forbes, and CNBC publish annual valuations.

How the NBA's Business Model Fuels the U.S. Economy

Basketball isn't just entertainment—it's big business. The NBA plays a significant role in the U.S. economy, generating billions of dollars annually and supporting thousands of jobs across various industries. From local businesses to massive infrastructure projects, the league's impact extends far beyond the hardwood.

Job Creation & Local Economies

Every NBA team is a mini economy, employing hundreds to thousands of people directly and indirectly. These jobs range from:

Direct Team Employment:

• Players, coaches, and training staff

• Front-office executives and scouts

• Marketing, PR, and content creation teams

• Arena operations and game-day staff

Game-Day Employment:

• Ticketing agents and ushers

• Security personnel

• Food vendors and concession workers

• Janitorial and maintenance staff

Broadcasting & Media:

• Networks like ESPN, NBC, and Amazon employ thousands of analysts, commentators, and production crews

• Local sports stations maintain dedicated NBA coverage teams

• Digital media and social content creators

Ripple Effects on Local Business:

But beyond the teams themselves, NBA cities thrive from increased traffic around arenas:

• Restaurants & Bars – Game nights spike revenue for establishments near arenas. In cities like Boston and Chicago, sports pubs rely heavily on foot traffic from home games. Studies show restaurants within a mile of arenas see 20-40% revenue increases on game nights.

• Hotels & Tourism – Playoff runs and marquee matchups bring in out-of-town visitors, filling up local hotels. The NBA Finals can generate $50-100 million in tourism revenue for host cities.

• Transportation Services – Rideshare drivers, public transit, and parking lots see a huge boost in revenue on game days. Uber and Lyft report 3-4x surge pricing around arenas during games.

The Cost of Losing a Team: Seattle's Story

Not every city keeps its NBA team forever. The Seattle SuperSonics' relocation to Oklahoma City in 2008 is a prime example of how losing a team devastates a local economy:

• Seattle lost an estimated

  $200 million per year

  in economic activity when the Sonics left

• Small businesses near KeyArena suffered massive revenue drops

• Job losses affected hospitality, transportation, and stadium employees

• The city lost intangible benefits like national media exposure and civic pride

Now, with Seattle on the shortlist for NBA expansion, city officials are eager to restore lost revenue streams by bringing basketball back. The modernized Climate Pledge Arena is ready for a team.

For a deeper dive into how NBA franchises impact city economies, check out the Brookings Institution's research on sports teams and urban development.

NBA's Effect on Real Estate & Infrastructure

NBA arenas don't just house games—they reshape neighborhoods. Cities often use arena construction projects as a catalyst for urban development, which can significantly boost property values and attract new businesses.

Economic Development Around Arenas:

• Increased Property Values – Homes and businesses near arenas often see a spike in value due to foot traffic and development. Properties within half a mile of new arenas typically appreciate 10-20% faster than surrounding areas.

• New Commercial Districts – Retail stores, hotels, and office spaces are built around arenas, creating new business hubs. The "arena district" concept has become a model for urban planning.

• Improved Public Transit – Cities frequently revamp transportation systems to accommodate stadium crowds, benefiting all residents.

Case Studies: Arena-Driven Development

Chase Center (San Francisco, CA) – The Golden State Warriors privately funded their $1.4 billion arena, which transformed the Mission Bay district into a bustling economic zone. The team also owns the land around Chase Center that makes up the 11-acre mixed-use development Thrive City. The club's related business and real estate value topped $2 billion this year.

Barclays Center (Brooklyn, NY) – The Nets' move to Brooklyn in 2012 led to a real estate boom in the borough, with property values rising significantly. The arena anchored the Atlantic Yards development project.

Intuit Dome (Inglewood, CA) – The Clippers' new $2 billion arena opened in 2024 and is already driving development in the area, alongside SoFi Stadium.

Public vs. Private Funding Debate

The debate over publicly funded sports arenas is ongoing:

Upcoming Arena Projects:

• Oklahoma City (2028): $900 million arena, 71% publicly funded after voter approval in 2023

• Philadelphia (2030): 50-50 joint venture between 76ers ownership and Comcast/Flyers for a new shared arena

For more analysis on how arenas impact real estate, ESPN has published deep dives into stadium economics.

NBA Revenue Sharing: Leveling the Playing Field

While NBA revenue is massive, not all teams make equal amounts of money. To keep small-market teams competitive, the NBA has a revenue-sharing system designed to redistribute wealth across the league.

The Economics of Small vs. Large Market Teams

Big-market teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and New York Knicks generate significantly more revenue than smaller-market teams like the Memphis Grizzlies or Charlotte Hornets. This disparity comes from:

• Higher local TV contract values – The Lakers' Spectrum deal pays nearly $200 million annually; small-market teams may receive $20-30 million

• Bigger sponsorship deals – Warriors earn nearly $200 million in sponsorships; bottom-tier teams earn $30-50 million

• Stronger merchandise sales – Large-market teams with star players dominate jersey sales

• Premium ticket pricing – Big-market teams can charge 2-3x more per seat

How Revenue Sharing Works:

The NBA's revenue-sharing system redistributes approximately $400 million annually:

1. High-revenue teams contribute a percentage of their earnings to a central pool

2. Lower-revenue teams receive funds to maintain competitiveness

3. 50% of luxury tax proceeds also go to non-tax-paying teams

4. The goal is to prevent an economic gap where only rich teams can afford superstars

This system explains why small-market teams like Oklahoma City (the defending NBA champions) can build championship rosters. The Thunder spent $163 million on salaries while earning $320 million in revenue—a manageable 51% ratio—and won the title.

For a breakdown of which teams contribute the most to revenue sharing, check out The Athletic.

NBA Salary Cap and Luxury Tax (2025-26)

The salary structure helps maintain competitive balance. According to the official NBA announcement:

The cap rose 10%—the maximum increase allowed under the CBA—driven by the new media deal. It's expected to grow approximately 7% annually going forward.

How the Luxury Tax Works:

Teams that exceed the salary cap must pay escalating penalties:

• If a team spends over the tax line, they pay a penalty for every dollar spent above it

• Repeat offenders pay harsher "repeater" penalties

• Tax brackets increase exponentially the further over the line a team goes

• Luxury tax money is redistributed to lower-spending teams

Notable Luxury Tax Bills:

Player Salary Trends:

• Average NBA player salary: $11.9 million (2024-25)

• Highest-paid player: Stephen Curry at $55.8 million

• Rookie minimum: $1.157 million

• Veteran minimum (10+ years): $3.304 million

• Total league payroll: $5.6 billion across all 30 teams

For real-time tracking of every team's cap situation, Spotrac's NBA Tax Tracker provides detailed breakdowns.

The NBA's International Expansion & Global Influence

The NBA isn't just an American league anymore—it's a global phenomenon. Expanding beyond the U.S. has created billions in new revenue and helped basketball become the world's second most popular sport after soccer.

The Rise of International Players & Markets

The NBA has increasingly relied on international talent to fuel its growth. The foundation for this global pipeline was laid by pioneers like Dirk Nowitzki, who transformed how the league viewed European talent.

Today's MVP-caliber international stars drive viewership worldwide:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo (Greece) – Two-time MVP, 2021 champion

• Nikola Jokić (Serbia) – Three-time MVP, 2023 champion

• Luka Dončić (Slovenia) – Perennial MVP candidate, global marketing force

• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada) – 2025 Finals MVP, face of the Thunder dynasty

International Player Growth:

This represents the highest international representation in league history. The NBA regularly hosts pre-season games in China, Europe, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi to expand its reach.

NBA Africa

Launched in 2021, NBA Africa aims to develop talent and build basketball culture on the continent. The Basketball Africa League (BAL) provides a professional pathway for African players, and the NBA has opened academies across the continent.

For analysis on how international stars impact NBA revenue, visit FIBA's coverage of basketball globalization.

Digital Innovation & Global Broadcasting

The NBA was one of the first leagues to embrace streaming and digital revenue models, making it a leader in sports media innovation.

NBA League Pass

A global subscription service that allows fans to watch games anywhere in the world. The service has been revamped multiple times to compete with illegal streaming, now offering more flexible packages and better streaming quality.

International Media Partnerships:

Social Media Dominance

The NBA has more social media followers than any other North American sports league:

• Over 100 million followers across platforms

• Billions of video views annually

• Strategic use of highlights to drive engagement globally

• Players encouraged to build personal brands

For a full breakdown of the NBA's digital revenue revolution, check out Bloomberg's feature on NBA digital strategy.

Economic Challenges & Future Financial Trends in the NBA

While the NBA remains a financial powerhouse, it faces evolving challenges that could impact its long-term growth. From shifting viewing habits to competition for entertainment dollars, the league is adapting to new economic realities.

The Decline in TV Ratings & Media Challenges

Despite the NBA's record-setting revenues, traditional TV viewership has faced challenges over the past decade. The league's conventional television audience is evolving, and while streaming services have picked up slack, the shift in viewing habits requires adaptation.

Challenges:

• Cable TV Decline – Younger audiences no longer rely on traditional television and instead consume highlights via YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

• Streaming Fragmentation – With games now split across ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime, fans need multiple subscriptions

• Game Length & Attention Spans – The average NBA game lasts 2 hours and 15 minutes, but Gen Z audiences prefer shorter, more engaging content

• Load Management – Star players resting during regular season games has reduced excitement and frustrated fans who bought tickets

How the NBA Is Responding:

• Alternative Broadcasts – Kid-friendly animated feeds, alternate commentary options, and influencer-hosted streams

• Streaming-First Strategy – The new media deal prioritizes streaming platforms like Prime Video and Peacock

• International Focus – Growing audiences in China, India, and Africa reduces dependence on U.S. TV ratings

• In-Season Tournament – The NBA Cup created must-watch mid-season content with real stakes

• Enhanced Viewing Experiences – Immersive stats, multiple camera angles, and interactive features

The good news: the 2025 NBA Finals delivered the most-watched Finals game in six years, with 75 million people watching on ABC.

For a deeper dive into the NBA's TV ratings challenges, check out Sports Business Journal's analysis.

Post-Pandemic Recovery & New Growth Areas

The COVID-19 pandemic devastated the NBA's finances, forcing the league to suspend the 2019-20 season and create the Orlando "Bubble," which cost an estimated $170 million to operate. The league lost billions in gate revenue during the pandemic years.

Full Financial Recovery Achieved:

The NBA has not only recovered but exceeded pre-pandemic levels:

• 2018-19 revenue: $8.8 billion

• 2020-21 revenue: $6.4 billion (pandemic low)

• 2024-25 revenue: $12.25 billion (39% above pre-pandemic)

New Revenue Streams Driving Growth:

Expanded Jersey Advertising

• Jersey patches now generate over $150 million annually

• Second patches may be added in future seasons

• In-game advertising continues to expand

NFTs & Digital Collectibles

• NBA Top Shot has seen over $1 billion in transactions

• Digital memorabilia provides new fan engagement

• Blockchain-based assets create ongoing royalty streams

Sports Betting Partnerships The NBA now has official deals with major sportsbooks:

• DraftKings – Official daily fantasy and betting partner

• FanDuel – In-arena sportsbook presence

• BetMGM – Gaming and betting partnership

These deals allow in-game betting integrations, real-time odds displays, and co-branded content—worth hundreds of millions annually.

NBA Expansion: Seattle and Las Vegas

With the NBA's finances stronger than ever, league expansion has become a serious topic. Adding two new teams could bring in an estimated $7+ billion in expansion fees, which would be shared among existing franchises.

Leading Candidates:

Seattle

• Lost the SuperSonics to Oklahoma City in 2008

• Climate Pledge Arena (renovated KeyArena) is ready for an NBA team

• Strong market with passionate fanbase eager for basketball's return

• Tech industry provides corporate sponsor base

Las Vegas

• Proven pro sports market with Raiders (NFL) and Golden Knights (NHL) success

• No state income tax attractive to players

• Tourism-driven economy provides unique revenue opportunities

• Multiple arena options available

The NBA has not expanded since 2004 when Charlotte (then the Bobcats) started play and the other 29 owners split a $300 million payment. At current valuations, expansion fees would likely be $3-4 billion per team.

For the latest updates on NBA expansion, The Ringer covers league discussions and potential new franchises.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the NBA's biggest revenue sources?

The NBA's revenue primarily comes from:

1. Broadcasting Rights – The $76 billion media deal with ESPN/ABC, NBC, and Amazon averages $6.9 billion annually

2. Sponsorships – Over $1.6 billion from brands like Nike, Gatorade, and Google

3. Ticket Sales & Game-Day Revenue – $3.4 billion from fans attending games

4. Merchandise & Licensing – Hundreds of millions from jerseys, video games, and collectibles

For a detailed breakdown of NBA revenue, check out Forbes' NBA financial rankings.

How does revenue sharing work in the NBA?

• Large-market teams contribute a percentage of their earnings into a shared pool

• Small-market teams receive payments to stay competitive (approximately $400 million redistributed annually)

• 50% of luxury tax proceeds go to non-tax-paying teams

• The system prevents economic disparities, ensuring teams in smaller cities can afford to sign star players

Want to see which teams pay the most into revenue sharing? The Athletic provides detailed analysis of revenue-sharing contributions.

What is the NBA's salary cap, and why does it matter?

The salary cap ensures competitive balance by limiting how much teams can spend on players:

• For the 2025-26 season, the cap is $154.647 million per team

• Teams exceeding the cap face a "luxury tax" starting at $187.895 million

• The tax prevents large-market teams from simply outspending small-market franchises

• Cap increases are tied to league revenue growth

For an updated look at the NBA's salary cap and luxury tax penalties, visit Spotrac.

How does the NBA's international market impact its revenue?

The NBA has grown into a global business, with international revenue increasing dramatically:

• China – The $1.5 billion Tencent deal generates approximately $500 million annually

• Europe – Stars like Luka Dončić and Giannis Antetokounmpo have boosted European NBA fandom

• Africa – NBA Africa and the Basketball Africa League tap into new talent and viewership markets

• Global merchandise – International sales account for roughly 25% of total merchandise revenue

Want to see how international revenue compares to U.S. earnings? Check out Statista's report on NBA global revenue.

When did the NBA become profitable?

The NBA has been profitable for decades, but its transformation into a financial powerhouse accelerated in several key eras:

• 1984: David Stern becomes commissioner, begins modernizing the league

• 1990s: Michael Jordan era drives global expansion and massive TV deals

• 2014: Adam Silver becomes commissioner; digital innovation accelerates

• 2016: $24 billion TV deal causes salary cap spike

• 2024: $76 billion media deal cements NBA as second-most valuable North American sports league

The Bottom Line: NBA Financials at a Glance

The NBA has built one of sports' most successful business models, combining massive media rights, global expansion, and smart revenue distribution to create a league where both billion-dollar franchises and small-market teams can thrive.

More NBA Content from Up in the Rafters

• How Much Is an NBA Finals Championship Ring Worth?

• Dirk Nowitzki: The European Pioneer of the NBA

• Who Has the Most Playoff Losses in NBA History?

• The Top 5 NBA Power Forwards of All-Time

• The Top 5 NBA Centers of All-Time

• A Realistic Bronny James Comparison

Sources: Forbes, Sportico, CNBC, NBA.com, ESPN, Sports Business Journal