The Knicks have been valued at $11.75 billion by JPMorgan, just below the $12.5 billion valuation paid for the Lakers.
Analyst David Karnovsky gave the Knicks the $11.75 billion valuation in a note about Madison Square Garden Sports Corp, in which the Lakers were seen as the closest comparable due to both franchises’ significant media markets and regional sports networks revenue streams.
“The Lakers are the most relevant comp for the Knicks in our view,” Karnovsky stated, adding that the “record Lakers transaction in our view further validates the market for marquee NBA franchises.”
Earlier this week, Bob Iger and venture capitalist Joshua Kushner agreed to take a controlling stake in the Lakers for $12.5 billion, a deal that broke previous records, with Mark Walter having paid $10 billion for a majority stake in the team in 2025.
The new valuation does little to quiet expectations for continued appreciation in NBA franchise values following the league’s continually rising commercial value.
The latest valuation for the Knicks comes after the franchise’s recent NBA championship, solidifying the Knicks’ standing in the top portion of league franchise valuations.
The NBA Board of Governors will vote in September on whether to approve the transaction.
