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Ranking Every NBA Franchise By Net Worth For The 2015-16 Season

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Find out where your favorite NBA franchise is ranked in terms of net worth. *H/T Forbes*

Timothy Downs is a Senior Writer for www.RantSports.com. You can ‘like him’ on Facebook add him on Google or follow him Twitter @Tidow1212

30. Milwaukee Bucks - $600 Million

Milwaukee Bucks - $600 Million Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks are the least valuable NBA franchise as we begin the new campaign. However, with new ownership, a great young nucleus and an arena likely on the way, don't expect the Bucks to be bottom-dwellers much longer.

The Milwaukee Bucks are the least valuable NBA franchise as we begin the new campaign. However, with new ownership, a great young nucleus and an arena likely on the way, don't expect the Bucks to be bottom-dwellers much longer.

29. Minnesota Timberwolves - $625 Million

Minnesota Timberwolves - $625 Million Getty Images
Like Milwaukee, the Minnesota Timberwolves are on the way up on the court with Andrew Wiggins and Co., and should move up in net worth over the next few seasons.

Like Milwaukee, the Minnesota Timberwolves are on the way up on the court with Andrew Wiggins and Co., and should move up in net worth over the next few seasons.

28. New Orleans Pelicans - $650 Million

New Orleans Pelicans - $650 Million Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The New Orleans Pelicans have the NBA's future best player in Anthony Davis and underwent a successful re-brand a few years ago that will ultimately pay tremendous dividends. This franchise is undoubtedly on the up-and-up.

The New Orleans Pelicans have the NBA's future best player in Anthony Davis and underwent a successful re-brand a few years ago that will ultimately pay tremendous dividends. This franchise is undoubtedly on the up-and-up.

27. Philadelphia 76ers - $700 Million

Philadelphia 76ers - $700 Million Getty Images
Contrary to popular belief, the Philadelphia 76ers are not the least valuable franchise in the NBA. Thanks to a rich basketball history in one of the biggest markets in the country, the 76ers are still worth a cool $700 million despite being mired in a seemingly never-ending rebuild.

Contrary to popular belief, the Philadelphia 76ers are not the least valuable franchise in the NBA. Thanks to a rich basketball history in one of the biggest markets in the country, the 76ers are still worth a cool $700 million despite being mired in a seemingly never-ending rebuild.

26. Charlotte Hornets - $725 Million

Charlotte Hornets - $725 Million Getty Images
Michael Jordan and Co. made an excellent decision by re-branding the Charlotte Bobcats as the beloved Charlotte Hornets. Expect this franchise to make a significant climb in value over the next five years.

Michael Jordan and Co. made an excellent decision by re-branding the Charlotte Bobcats as the beloved Charlotte Hornets. Expect this franchise to make a significant climb in value over the next five years.

25. Memphis Grizzlies - $750 Million

Memphis Grizzlies - $750 Million Getty Images
The Memphis Grizzlies held on to their franchise player, Marc Gasol, by re-signing him to a max deal over the offseason. With a perennial contender on the court, the franchise should continue growing over the next five years. It's fair to assume a re-brand and name change will be in the cards in the near future, as the 'Grizzlies' nickname just doesn't make sense in Memphis like it did Vancouver.

The Memphis Grizzlies held on to their franchise player, Marc Gasol, by re-signing him to a max deal over the offseason. With a perennial contender on the court, the franchise should continue growing over the next five years. It's fair to assume a re-brand and name change will be in the cards in the near future, as the 'Grizzlies' nickname just doesn't make sense in Memphis like it did Vancouver.

24. Sacramento Kings - $800 Million

Sacramento Kings - $800 Million Getty Images
The Sacramento Kings are a franchise on the rise. The Kings are finally moving into a new arena to begin the 2016-17 season, which will help bring in a boatload of revenue. Expect the Kings to approach the $1 billion mark within the next few seasons.

The Sacramento Kings are a franchise on the rise. The Kings are finally moving into a new arena to begin the 2016-17 season, which will help bring in a boatload of revenue. Expect the Kings to approach the $1 billion mark within the next few seasons.

23. Detroit Pistons - $810 Million

Detroit Pistons - $810 Million Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Pistons have done a solid job staying afloat through tough economic times in the Detroit metropolitan area. With the right guy coaching the team in Stan Van Gundy, and a talented young nucleus, expect the franchise to flourish over the next five years.

The Detroit Pistons have done a solid job staying afloat through tough economic times in the Detroit metropolitan area. With the right guy coaching the team in Stan Van Gundy, and a talented young nucleus, expect the franchise to flourish over the next five years.

22. Atlanta Hawks - $825 Million

Atlanta Hawks - $825 Million Getty Images
With a new ownership group, there's reason to believe the Atlanta Hawks are in good shape moving forward. In a tough town for professional sports, an $825 million valuation is promising.

With a new ownership group, there's reason to believe the Atlanta Hawks are in good shape moving forward. In a tough town for professional sports, an $825 million valuation is promising.

21. Indiana Pacers - $830 Million

Indiana Pacers - $830 Million Getty Images
The Indiana Pacers have reason to be excited for the future will Paul George healthy again. Playing in a mid-size market limits their revenue, but an $830 million valuation is nothing to sneeze at. A much-needed re-brand could work wonders to draw in new fans.

The Indiana Pacers have reason to be excited for the future will Paul George healthy again. Playing in a mid-size market limits their revenue, but an $830 million valuation is nothing to sneeze at. A much-needed re-brand could work wonders to draw in new fans.

20. Utah Jazz - $850 Million

Utah Jazz - $850 Million Getty Images
The Utah Jazz lack star power, but are undoubtedly a team on the rise in 2015-16. The franchise has done an incredible job considering it plays in the smallest market of any NBA team. Returning to its winning ways from years past could help Utah cross the $1 billion mark over the next few seasons.

The Utah Jazz lack star power, but are undoubtedly a team on the rise in 2015-16. The franchise has done an incredible job considering it plays in the smallest market of any NBA team. Returning to its winning ways from years past could help Utah cross the $1 billion mark over the next few seasons.

19. Denver Nuggets - $855 Million

Denver Nuggets - $855 Million Getty Images
Denver is an excellent basketball city when the Nuggets are good. Unfortunately, the team has floundered in recent years, or else the franchise would likely have hit the $1 billion mark. In a cold-weather city, the Nuggets are in decent shape all things considered.

Denver is an excellent basketball city when the Nuggets are good. Unfortunately, the team has floundered in recent years, or else the franchise would likely have hit the $1 billion mark. In a cold-weather city, the Nuggets are in decent shape all things considered.

18. Orlando Magic - $875 Million

Orlando Magic - $875 Million Getty Images
This one is sort of surprising. You would think the Orlando Magic would be somewhere between 22 and 30, but the franchise has a bigger fan base than the masses realize. With a talented young nucleus playing in a city where folks flock to be entertained, the Magic should be worth $1 billion in no time at all.

This one is sort of surprising. You would think the Orlando Magic would be somewhere between 22 and 30, but the franchise has a bigger fan base than the masses realize. With a talented young nucleus playing in a city where folks flock to be entertained, the Magic should be worth $1 billion in no time at all.

17. Washington Wizards - $900 Million

Washington Wizards - $900 Million Getty Images
The Washington Wizards have an incredibly marketable star in John Wall, which is rare for this franchise. The Washington, D.C., market doesn't get much love nationally, but it's a sports stronghold, and the folks support the Wizards. Expect big things from this franchise over the next five years.

The Washington Wizards have an incredibly marketable star in John Wall, which is rare for this franchise. The Washington, D.C., market doesn't get much love nationally, but it's a sports stronghold, and the folks support the Wizards. Expect big things from this franchise over the next five years.

16. Phoenix Suns - $900 Million

Phoenix Suns - $900 Million Getty Images
Many people wrongly think of Phoenix as a small market. In reality, its metropolitan area ranks 12th highest in the country, which helps the Phoenix Suns a tremendous amount. The franchise has an underrated core in place and is undoubtedly on the way up.

Many people wrongly think of Phoenix as a small market. In reality, its metropolitan area ranks 12th highest in the country, which helps the Phoenix Suns a tremendous amount. The franchise has an underrated core in place and is undoubtedly on the way up.

15. Cleveland Cavaliers - $915 Million

Cleveland Cavaliers - $915 Million Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland isn't an incredibly large market. But with LeBron James back in town, expect the Cavaliers to be worth over $1 billion within the next year, especially if they win a championship.

Cleveland isn't an incredibly large market. But with LeBron James back in town, expect the Cavaliers to be worth over $1 billion within the next year, especially if they win a championship.

14. Toronto Raptors - $925 Million

Toronto Raptors - $925 Million Getty Images
Playing in a large market, the Toronto Raptors have an inherent advantage over many NBA franchises. But the organization deserves a ton of credit for approaching the $1 billion market considering it's only 20 years old.

Playing in a large market, the Toronto Raptors have an inherent advantage over many NBA franchises. But the organization deserves a ton of credit for approaching the $1 billion market considering it's only 20 years old.

13. Oklahoma City Thunder - $930 Million

Oklahoma City Thunder - $930 Million Getty Images
The Oklahoma City Thunder have done an excellent job of growing their brand since leaving Seattle. It won't take much longer to reach the coveted $1 billion mark for the Thunder.

The Oklahoma City Thunder have done an excellent job of growing their brand since leaving Seattle. It won't take much longer to reach the coveted $1 billion mark for the Thunder.

12. Portland Trail Blazers - $940 Million

Portland Trail Blazers - $940 Million Getty Images
The Portland Trail Blazers are undergoing a rebuild of their roster, but have one of the NBA's top point guards in Damian Lillard to build around, so they won't be down long. The Trail Blazers play in a small market, but having it all to themselves undoubtedly helps.

The Portland Trail Blazers are undergoing a rebuild of their roster, but have one of the NBA's top point guards in Damian Lillard to build around, so they won't be down long. The Trail Blazers play in a small market, but having it all to themselves undoubtedly helps.

11. San Antonio Spurs - $1 Billion

San Antonio Spurs - $1 Billion Getty Images
The San Antonio Spurs will say goodbye to legends Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili over the next few years. But with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge taking over the reins, don't expect this franchise to fall back under $1 billion ever again.

The San Antonio Spurs will say goodbye to legends Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili over the next few years. But with Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge taking over the reins, don't expect this franchise to fall back under $1 billion ever again.

10. Dallas Mavericks - $1.15 Billion

Dallas Mavericks - $1.15 Billion Getty Images
The Dallas Mavericks undoubtedly benefit from playing in one of the largest markets in the country. However, owner Mark Cuban deserves a ton of credit for transforming a franchise that was mired in mediocrity prior to his arrival.

The Dallas Mavericks undoubtedly benefit from playing in one of the largest markets in the country. However, owner Mark Cuban deserves a ton of credit for transforming a franchise that was mired in mediocrity prior to his arrival.

9. Miami Heat - $1.175 Billion

Miami Heat - $1.175 Billion Getty Images
It'll be interesting to see how the Miami Heat adjust when Dwyane Wade finally retires, but a solid run over the past 10 years has the franchise in terrific shape for the time being.

It'll be interesting to see how the Miami Heat adjust when Dwyane Wade finally retires, but a solid run over the past 10 years has the franchise in terrific shape for the time being.

8. Houston Rockets - $1.25 Billion

Houston Rockets - $1.25 Billion Getty Images
The Houston Rockets undoubtedly benefit from playing in the country's fifth-largest market. But the franchise has done an excellent job of staying relevant since the Yao Ming era ended, and has increased in value. Now, they have an impressive roster to showcase in addition.

The Houston Rockets undoubtedly benefit from playing in the country's fifth-largest market. But the franchise has done an excellent job of staying relevant since the Yao Ming era ended, and has increased in value. Now, they have an impressive roster to showcase in addition.

7. Golden State Warriors - $1.3 Billion

Golden State Warriors - $1.3 Billion Getty Images
The Golden State Warriors undoubtedly benefit from being the Bay Area's only NBA franchise. However, with an excellent team, and heading into a new arena, their front office deserves a ton of credit for taking a floundering franchise and turning it into a premier organization.

The Golden State Warriors undoubtedly benefit from being the Bay Area's only NBA franchise. However, with an excellent team, and heading into a new arena, their front office deserves a ton of credit for taking a floundering franchise and turning it into a premier organization.

6. Brooklyn Nets - $1.5 Billion

Brooklyn Nets - $1.5 Billion Getty Images
The move from New Jersey to Brooklyn has turned out to be a fruitful one for the Nets, as the franchise is now worth an estimated $1.5 billion. The team is terrible, but business is good.

The move from New Jersey to Brooklyn has turned out to be a fruitful one for the Nets, as the franchise is now worth an estimated $1.5 billion. The team is terrible, but business is good.

5. Los Angeles Clippers - $1.6 Billion

Los Angeles Clippers - $1.6 Billion Getty Images
The Los Angeles Clippers might have been purchased for $2 billion by new owner Steve Ballmer, but the franchise is only (relatively speaking) worth $1.6 billion. However, as the best team in the second-largest market, expect this figure to soar over the next five years, especially if they win a championship.

The Los Angeles Clippers might have been purchased for $2 billion by new owner Steve Ballmer, but the franchise is only (relatively speaking) worth $1.6 billion. However, as the best team in the second-largest market, expect this figure to soar over the next five years, especially if they win a championship.

4. Boston Celtics - $1.7 Billion

Boston Celtics - $1.7 Billion Getty Images
It's hard to imagine the Boston Celtics ever falling out of the top five considering their championship-rich history and gargantuan fan base. Although their roster lacks star power, head coach Brad Stevens has done a remarkable job and is capable of winning a championship if given enough talent. Expect the Celtics to be a true championship contender once again within the next five years.

It's hard to imagine the Boston Celtics ever falling out of the top five considering their championship-rich history and gargantuan fan base. Although their roster lacks star power, head coach Brad Stevens has done a remarkable job and is capable of winning a championship if given enough talent. Expect the Celtics to be a true championship contender once again within the next five years.

3. Chicago Bulls - $2 Billion

Chicago Bulls - $2 Billion Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago loves its Bulls -- it's that simple. The Bulls went through some incredibly rough years after the Michael Jordan era ended, but their fans stuck with them. Now, they have a solid team to root for. The sky is the limit for this franchise, especially if its able to win a championship with this talented core.

Chicago loves its Bulls -- it's that simple. The Bulls went through some incredibly rough years after the Michael Jordan era ended, but their fans stuck with them. Now, they have a solid team to root for. The sky is the limit for this franchise, especially if its able to win a championship with this talented core.

2. New York Knicks - $2.5 Billion

New York Knicks - $2.5 Billion Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
If the New York Knicks were a Broadway play, they'd be out of business. The only industry where you can peddle an absolutely dreadful product and still flourish in New York City is professional sports. However, Knicks fans are an incredibly loyal bunch, and Madison Square Garden is packed every game as a result. No matter how poorly James Dolan runs this organization, the Knicks will be the second-most valuable franchise in the NBA.

If the New York Knicks were a Broadway play, they'd be out of business. The only industry where you can peddle an absolutely dreadful product and still flourish in New York City is professional sports. However, Knicks fans are an incredibly loyal bunch, and Madison Square Garden is packed every game as a result. No matter how poorly James Dolan runs this organization, the Knicks will be the second-most valuable franchise in the NBA.

1. Los Angeles Lakers - $2.6 Billion

Los Angeles Lakers - $2.6 Billion Getty Images
It'll be interesting to see who the next face of the Los Angeles Lakers is after Kobe Bryant finally decides to call it a career. This franchise will struggle on the court over the next few seasons, but its $2.6 billion valuation suggests the Lakers will be just fine in the long run.

It'll be interesting to see who the next face of the Los Angeles Lakers is after Kobe Bryant finally decides to call it a career. This franchise will struggle on the court over the next few seasons, but its $2.6 billion valuation suggests the Lakers will be just fine in the long run.

Timothy Downs is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter and like him on Facebook.
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