Source Says Warriors Worth $800M Just Three Years After Being Purchased For $450M

In November 2010, when Peter Guber and Joe Lacob paid a then-record $450M to buy the Golden State Warriors from Chris Cohan, who could have thought that the team might now be worth to close to $800M. In the span of 3 years, and the sale of two other NBA franchises, Golden State’s new owners have shown the potential of franchise located in one of the largest markets in the United States.

With a much-improved roster and much-heralded hires in the front-office, Guber and Lacob have quickly transformed the Warriors into one of the most-desired franchises in the league. The ESPN report bases the $800M estimate on the amount paid for the share of the team vacated by new Sacramento Kings owner Vivek Ranadive.

While the amount paid by buyer Mark Stevens was not released in the report, the source indicated the team being worth far more than Lacob and Guber originally paid. It was Ranadive’s purchase of the Kings that makes the Warriors new reported value somewhat believable. To purchase just 72% of the rival franchise, as well as the team’s current home, Arco Arena, Ranadive paid $550M.

Given the current state of the two franchises, and significant difference in market size, it’s understandable that the Warriors could be worth so much. With the promise of a new arena on the San Francisco waterfront, and a potential championship-contending roster, it’s no wonder the team’s value has skyrocketed.

Even if the $800M number is exaggerated, there’s no doubt the team has capitalized on opportunities previous owner Cohan rarely did. Realistically, there’s not much reason to think that value won’t continue to climb, either.

The league is growing in popularity and the Warriors season ticket sales are at an all-time high, with nearly 14,000 sold for the upcoming season. Throw in a popular budding star like Stephen Curry and a few All-Stars surrounding him and you’ve got quite a formula for success.

Ultimately, Lacob has made it clear his goal is a championship, but ownership’s handling of this team thus far is part of that path. Not only have they increased the team’s value in the eyes of the league and shareholders, but in the eyes of players as well. That’s a big step going forward, and could open up more and more opportunities to improve the team. Just another reason it’s an exciting time to be a Warriors fan.