Winning doesn’t always equal success in the NBA.
Just ask the New York Knicks, who haven’t made the playoffs in seven years, but are still the most valuable team in the NBA with an estimated worth of $4.6 billion, according to Forbes.
That’s a half-billion higher than the $4 billion they were valued at last year.
The order of the top five remains unchanged with the Los Angles Lakers ($4.4 billion), Golden State Warriors ($4.3 billion), Chicago Bulls ($3.2 billion), and Boston Celtics $3.1 billion) following New York.
Forbes has estimated the Knicks to be the NBA’s most valuable franchise for five straight years, despite not coming close to making the playoffs.
Most recently, the team suffered the indignation of watching All-Stars Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving opt for the Brooklyn Nets over the Knicks.
Franchise values across the entire league have increased in the past few years.
It was not long ago the Milwaukee Bucks sold for $300 million and now are valued at close to $1.6 billion.
This is the first time the average value of an NBA franchise has eclipsed $2 billion and an increase of 14 percent from 2019, making it the highest rate among the major four American sports leagues.
The Knicks’ status, in particular, reinforces why owner James Dolan is in no rush to sell the team despite the pressure he’s facing from the fanbase.
Here’s a look at current NBA Team values:
1. New York Knicks ($4.6 billion)
2. Los Angeles Lakers ($4.4 billion)
3. Golden State Warriors ($4.3 billion)
4. Chicago Bulls ($3.2 billion)
5. Boston Celtics ($3.1 billion)
6. Los Angeles Clippers ($2.6 billion)
7. Brooklyn Nets ($2.5 billion)
8. Houston Rockets ($2.475 billion)
9. Dallas Mavericks ($2.4 billion)
10. Toronto Raptors ($2.1 billion)
11. Philadelphia 76ers ($2 billion)
12. Miami Heat ($1.95 billion)
13. Portland Trail Blazers ($1.85 billion)
14. San Antonio Spurs ($1.8 billion)
15. Sacramento Kings ($1.775 billion)
16. Washington Wizards ($1.75 billion)
17. Phoenix Suns ($1.625 billion)
18. Denver Nuggets ($1.6 billion)
19. Milwaukee Bucks ($1.58 billion)
20. Oklahoma City Thunder ($1.575 billion)
21. Utah Jazz ($1.55 billion)
22. Indiana Pacers ($1.525 billion)
23. Atlanta Hawks ($1.52 billion)
24. Cleveland Cavaliers ($1.51 billion)
25. Charlotte Hornets ($1.5 billion)
26. Detroit Pistons ($1.45 billion)
27. Orlando Magic ($1.43 billion)
28. Minnesota Timberwolves ($1.375 billion)
29. New Orleans Pelicans ($1.35 billion)
30. Memphis Grizzlies ($1.3 billion)