Report: Kings' franchise has nearly doubled in value since 2013
While it's an inexact science, calculating the value of a basketball franchise has indicated the exponential rate at which the NBA has grown. The Sacramento Kings' value epitomizes this.
YOY increases from 2013 to today: 2013- $525m 2014- $550m 2015- $800m 2016- $925m Vivek got in at a good time… https://t.co/xL5NzOmufV
— Kevin Fippin (@kfippin) January 20, 2016
According to Forbes.com, the Kings are now worth $925 million. That ranks No. 18 overall (last season's rank was No. 22) among NBA team valuations. Last season, Forbes valued the Kings at $800 million -- a 14% increase. Kings' owner Vivek Ranadive purchased the franchise in 2013 for $534 million. Forbes valued the franchise at $525 million (the average NBA franchise was reportedly worth $509 million in 2013) earlier that season.
Ranadive's return on investment has been remarkable. Next season, the Kings plan to move to a state-of-the-art downtown arena worth $507 million. The naming rights for Golden 1 Center will be worth an annual $6 million.
Kings worth $925M. Contrast with $534M value when purchased in '13. Thank Ballmer/Clippers, big TV deal https://t.co/jlFl8baFB0
— Dale Kasler (@dakasler) January 21, 2016
The season before Ranadive purchased the Kings, Forbes valued the franchise in 2012 at $300 million. Sacramento's value was ranked No. 24 out of 30 NBA teams.
The Kings were sold to Chris Hansen and current-Clippers owner Steve Ballmer (with public plans to move to Seattle) for $525 million in January 2013. It would have been the second-most ever paid for an NBA team. Now, that $525 million for relocation seems like it would have been a bargain.
Bryan Kalbrosky produces digital content for FOXSports.com. For more, follow him on Twitter @BryanKalbrosky.
