The list of major professional sports teams in California is lengthy and includes some of the winningest and most storied franchises in the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB and MLS. In fact, there are a total of 18 major pro sports teams in California. They include:
- 3 NFL teams (Rams, 49ers, Chargers)
- 4 NBA teams (Warriors, Lakers, Clippers, Kings)
- 3 NHL teams (Kings, Ducks, Sharks)
- 5 MLB teams (Dodgers, Angels, A’s, Giants, Padres)
- 3 MLS teams (Galaxy, LAFC, Earthquake)
Where do the top major pro sports teams in the state rank in terms of franchise value? Here’s a quick look at the 5 most valuable sports teams in California:
No. 1: Golden State Warriors ($8.8 billion)
Forbes’ latest of “The NBA’s Most Valuable Teams” shows the Golden State Warriors having moved in the No. 1 spot on the list, having passed the New York Knicks for the league lead. It claims the Bay Area-based basketball squad is worth some $8.8 billion, making it the most valuable pro sports team in California.
What does $8.8 billion get you these days? Well, four NBA Championships over the past decade (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022), plus superstars Stephen Curry and Draymond Green still leading the team in 2024-25 season. The Dubs have added Jimmy Butler as well to the roster in the hopes of making yet another deep playoff run.
The Warriors moved from the 1960s-era Oracle Arena in Oakland to the brand new $1.4 billion Chase Center in San Francisco in 2019, which boosted the team’s value substantially.
Find the best Golden State Warriors betting sites and more about the team.
No. 2: Los Angeles Rams ($7.6 billion)
On the most recent Forbes list of “The NFL’s Most Valuable Teams,” the Super Bowl LVI Champion Los Angeles Rams are at No. 2 in the NFL behind the top-ranked Dallas Cowboys ($10.1 billion).
The Rams are the second most valuable California-based professional sports franchise are valued at $7.6 billion, having been the most valuable CA team before the Warriors passed them.
The Rams were much further down this list just a few years ago when the valuation was closer to $4 billion. The franchise’s major growth spurt started when the Rams moved back to LA from St. Louis, Missouri, in 2016 (the team’s home since 1994 when it first left LA).
The Rams subsequently appeared in Super Bowl LIII, losing to the New England Patriots, before winning Super Bowl LVI behind quarterback Matthew Stafford. The team also moved into the swanky new $6 billion SoFi Stadium in 2020.
Visit our dedicated Los Angeles Rams betting page for best Rams betting sites.
No. 3: Los Angeles Lakers ($7.1 billion)
The Warriors are the most valuable NBA team right now, but the Los Angeles Lakers are not too far behind, sitting at No. 3 both on the NBA list and the list of CA franchises. Forbes most recently estimated that Los Angeles’ marquee basketball franchise is worth some $7.1 billion.
It may come as a surprise to some that the Lakers aren’t ahead of the Warriors since the franchise is among the top two most successful in NBA history with 17 championships (only the Celtics have more titles with 18). Plus, the Lakers have LeBron James, the NBA’s marquee superstar and a four-time NBA champion, four-time NBA Finals MVP, and four-time NBA MVP.
James delivered a title to LA in 2020 to help boost the team’s value by 70 percent over the past five years. However, Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center) is 20 years older than the Warriors’ Chase Center, and the aging-but-still-awesome King James and the Lake Show don’t seem to have the global marketing appeal Steph and the Dubs do.
Find the best Los Angeles Lakers sportsbooks by visiting our dedicated Lakers betting page.
No. 4: San Francisco 49ers ($6.8 billion)
Much like the Lakers and Warriors, the San Francisco 49ers are the more successful franchise historically compared to the Rams, but the Niners are worth less.
Forbes’ list of “The NFL’s Most Valuable Teams” has the five-time Super Bowl Champion 49ers valued at $6.8 billion, placing them sixth in the NFL and fourth on this list.
The Niners’ value has risen over recent years, with their Super Bowl LVIII run ending with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs having upped their profile. In truth, however, a lot of the 49ers’ growth comes from over a decade ago back in 2014, when the team moved from the dusty, old Candlestick Park to the modern $1.3 billion Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California.
Check out our dedicated San Francisco 49ers betting page for the latest on betting the Niners.
No. 5: Los Angeles Dodgers $5.45 billion
Finally, one of California’s five MLB teams wraps up this list at No. 5. The Los Angeles Dodgers currently rank second on Forbes’ list of “Baseball’s Most Valuable Teams.”
Of course, the team’s $5.45 billion valuations still trails the New York Yankees by a decent margin, with the Yanks most recently valued at $7.55 billion. Things are looking up for the Dodgers, though. This team has won not only a record 24 National League pennants but also eight World Series titles including one last October in 2024.
The franchise still calls Dodger Stadium home, its iconic digs since 1962. However, it’s still profitable and underwent a $100 million renovation ahead of the 2020 season. Hundreds of millions in recently inked broadcasting deals aside, a lot of the Dodgers’ growth is actually tied to MLB growth. MLB team values have soared during the past decade-plus.
For the best Los Angeles Dodgers betting sites, visit our dedicated Dodgers betting page.