Professional sports valuations are accelerating as billionaire demand, growing media value and a limited supply of franchises push transaction prices to records. The Los Angeles Lakers have raised their valuation twice in a little over a year: Guggenheim Partners CEO Mark Walter agreed in June 2025 to buy a majority stake from the Buss family at a $10 billion valuation, then sold that majority equity to Joshua Kushner and Bob Iger in a deal valuing the team at $12.5 billion. Josh Harris, who bought the Washington Commanders for $6 billion in 2023 and also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and other sports properties, said the Lakers are worth the price and that he does not see valuations entering bubble territory. The Lakers transaction implies an estimated 20 times 2025-26 revenue, an all-time high multiple for a control stake in an NBA team. Recent deals include a $10.6 billion valuation for the Atlanta Falcons, a $9.61 billion Seattle Seahawks agreement, the $6.1 billion Boston Celtics sale, and other high-profile transactions involving Liverpool, the San Diego Padres, the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, and the New York Yankees. Investors are attracted by live content, global fan bases, media rights, sports betting, private equity participation and the scarcity value of owning a major team, while artificial intelligence is viewed as less likely to disrupt the core appeal of sports franchises.