Forbes: Knicks, Lakers, Warriors top list of NBA team valuations

Despite all the criticism surrounding the New York Knicks' on-court product in recent years, owner James Dolan can laugh straight to the bank knowing his team has once again topped Forbes' list of NBA franchise valuations.

The Knicks tipped the scales at $4 billion, tied with the uptown New York Yankees and behind only the Dallas Cowboys ($5 billion) for top value among United States-based teams.

Rounding out the top five in the Association are the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Chicago Bulls, and Boston Celtics.

Overall, Forbes pegs the average NBA franchise value at $1.9 billion, up 13 percent from 2018.

Forbes cites increasingly lucrative local television deals, arena improvements, and a general bump in basketball's popularity for the continued growth.