Global Slam Dunk: Basketball’s Bold Expansion From Europe To India
Basketball is expanding beyond the USA, with the NBA planning a Europe-based league and India launching its own national league.
World’s Most Valuable Sports Franchises As Of 2025
In the high-stakes world of professional sports, franchises have evolved into sophisticated business empires, attracting global investment and generating revenue that rivals multinational corporations. With TV rights deals, global fan engagement, merchandise sales, and lucrative sponsorships, the value of a sports franchise now extends far beyond athletic performance. Forbes‘ latest valuation of the world’s most valuable sports franchises reflects this seismic shift—where branding, media presence, and market reach are as important as trophies. This article ranks the top ten franchises by value, offering insights into the ownership, venues, and strategic positioning behind their financial dominance. 10. San Francisco 49ers San Francisco 49ers are San Francisco based American football team. They have been valued at $6.8 billion. The team is owned by the York family. The team competes in the National Football League (NFL) and plays its home games at the Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara. In June 2023, the American group also became the owner of the English football club Leeds United. 9. New York Jets The next team on the list is New York Jets. Like San Francisco 49ers, New York Jets is also an American football team and features in the National Football League. The Forbes values the New York Jets at $6.9 billion. New York Jets is co-owned by American billionaire brothers Woody Johnson and Christopher Johnson. New York Jets play their home matches at the MetLife Stadium. The venue will be the site for the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup final and the 2025 FIFA World Cup final. 8. Los Angeles Lakers Basketball team Los Angeles Lakers are the eighth most valuable sports franchise in the world. The team has been valued at $7.1 billion and features in the National Basketball Association (NBA). With 17 NBA titles, Los Angles Lakers are the second-most successful team in the tournament’s history. American businesswoman Jeanie Buss has the controlling owner of the team. American billionaire Todd Boehly, who also is co-owns English football club Chelsea, is one of the minority stake holder of Los Angeles Lakers. 7. New York Giants New York Jets’ intra-city rivals New York Giants have been valued at $7.3 billion. New York Giants also play their home games at the MetLife Stadium. The team is jointly owned by billionaires Steve Tisch and John Mara. 6. New England Patriots The next team to feature on the list is New England Patriots. The Forbes’ values the team at $ 7.4 billion. The American football team is based in Greater Boston area and plays its games at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots is owned by American billionaire Robert Kraft. 5. New York Knicks Basketball team New York Knicks have been valued at $7.5 billion. The team is owned by owned by James Dolan and his family, who control Madison Square Garden Sports Corporation. New York Knicks play its home games at Madison Square Garden, an arena they share with the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League. Also Read: World’s Richest Sports Team Owners As Of 20254. New York Yankees Another New York based sports team to feature on this lucrative list is New York Yankees. New York Yankess is a baseball team and features in Major League Baseball. The team is valued at $7.55 billion. The Yankees are owned by Yankee Global Enterprises which in turn is controlled by the Steinbrenner family. 3. Los Angeles Rams American football team Los Angeles Rams is the third-highest valued sports franchise in the world. The team’s value is $7.60 billion. The Rams play in National Football League and plays its home games at the SoFi Stadium. American billionaire Stan Korenke owns the team. Korenke is also the owner of Premier League giants Arsenal. 2. Golden State Warriors Basketball team Golden State Warriors is the second-most valued sports franchise in the world at $8.8 billion. The team competes in the National Basketball Association and is based in San Francisco. Chase Center in California is the home venue for Golden State Warriors. The team is co-owned by American billionaires Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. 1. Dallas Cowboys At $10.1 billion, Dallas Cowboys remains the most valued sports franchise in the world. Dallas Cowboys is an American Football team and features in the National Football League. The team has retained its position on the list for nine straight years. Dallas Cowboys play their home games at the AT&T Stadium. The team is owned by American businessman Jerry Jones. Prakhar SachdeoThe Sportz Planet Desk
World’s Richest Sports Team Owners For 2025
The the 25 richest sports owners in the world are worth $607 billion. In an ever-growing sports market every owner saw their net worth climb.
Day 1 of Basketball 5×5 League Matches begin with exciting clashes at 38th National Games, Dehradhun
The 38th National Games commenced with exhilarating basketball 5×5 league matches on Day 1, hosted at Bhagirathi Hall, MPSC Rajat Jayanti Khel Parishad. Teams from across the country competed fiercely on Day 1, showcasing their talent and determination. Men’s Matches* In Group A, Tamil Nadu and Services compete with each other in an intense match on Court 2. The game witnessed an exciting finish as Tamil Nadu secured the win with a late surge by 76-69. Tamil Nadu’s strategy in the final moments turned the match in their favour. * Tamil Nadu’s top scorer was Lokeshwaran Mohan with 16 goals, while Sahil led the Services team with 22 goals. “It was the first match, so there was a bit of pressure, especially with the scores tied. However, we’ll play stronger in the upcoming matches. Our team has solid bench strength, and every player is adaptable. The experience in Uttarakhand has been fantastic, and I thank the Uttarakhand Government and National Games Committee for the commendable management and facilities,” said Jeeva, captain of the Tamil Nadu Men’s Basketball 5×5 team. • Meanwhile, in Group B, Delhi faced off against Madhya Pradesh in a high-energy game on Court 1. Delhi’s superior coordination and scoring power helped them dominate the match against Madhya Pradesh by 116- 61. * Delhi captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi emerged as the top scorer with 17 goals, while Madhya Pradesh’s Anmol Sharma led his team with 15 goals. Delhi Men’s Basketball 5×5 team captain Vishesh Bhriguvanshi expressed his joy at the victory and praised Uttarakhand for hosting the National Games. He said, “It feels great to win and represent Delhi. The organization, from accommodations to practice sessions, has been excellent. Playing amidst nature has been a wonderful experience. The Green Games initiative is commendable. My message to athletes is simple: enjoy the environment and give your best.” Women’s Matches* In Group A, the host team Uttarakhand faced Punjab in an intense match on Court 2, with Punjab securing a decisive win, 96-54. * Top scorer for Punjab was Komalpreet Kaur with 28 goals, while Uttarakhand’s Anju scored 27 goals. Sharing her excitement, Punjab’s captain, Preeti said, “It feels great to win. This was a team effort, and I’m lucky to have such a supportive group. As captain, there’s no pressure when the team performs together. The arrangements and atmosphere in Dehradun have been wonderful so far.” She also praised the event’s eco-conscious theme, adding, “It’s a great initiative that will inspire citizens to be more responsible towards nature.” * In Group B, Chhattisgarh competed with Delhi. Delhi narrowly defeated Chhattisgarh in a thrilling match on Court 2, winning 76-75. * Delhi’s Simran Kour was the top scorer with 23 goals, while D. Kirti led Chhattisgarh with the highest for her team. Delhi’s captain, Preeti Kumari, shared her joy, saying, “Winning feels incredible, especially as a captain, and a mother. I’m grateful for the support of my team and family. To all women out there, if I can be here as a mother, living my dreams, you can also achieve your dreams.” She expressed optimism for upcoming matches and encouraged women to chase their goals. The basketball 5×5 matches promise more excitement in the days ahead as teams continue to battle for glory. Stay tuned for updates on the results and key highlights from the 38th National Games.
Lessons From the Greatest Coaches Across Sports
Teachers’ Day isn’t just about celebrating the ones who teach in classrooms; it’s about honoring those who shape lives in every arena, especially sports. Here’s a tribute to five legendary coaches who’ve not only mastered their craft but also transformed their sports. Rahul Dravid (Cricket) In a world of flashy personalities, Rahul Dravid stands out for his quiet strength and ability to build without noise. Nicknamed ‘The Wall’ for his defense as a batter, Dravid’s coaching reflects the same grit. He’s not just training cricketers; he’s molding future leaders of Indian cricket. The world saw his brilliance as a coach during the Indian Cricket Team’s successful campaign at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024, where India lifted the title under Dravid’s guidance. His lesson? “Patience builds greatness.” Behind every victory lies the hours of disciplined work he instills in his players, even when no one’s watching. Dinesh Lad (Cricket) The Dronacharya awardee, Dinesh Lad, is the mastermind behind a couple of renowned cricketing faces in India . Rohit Sharma and Shardul Thakur are household names in cricket. It was Lad’s vision and mentorship that laid their foundations. What sets him apart? He doesn’t just coach skills; he coaches resilience, teaching his players to rise from setbacks stronger. His philosophy? “Talent needs a guiding hand,” and his role as that steady hand has led to the rise of some of the best cricketers in India. José Mourinho (Football) Call him The Special One and it’s not just about his winning record—it’s about the mind games, the psychological edge and the tactical genius. José Mourinho sees football like a chess game, where every move counts and it’s all about staying ten steps ahead. What can we learn from him? “Confidence is everything.” His players don’t just play—they believe. Under Mourinho, confidence isn’t an option, it’s a requirement. His story is a lesson in self-belief and creating an unbeatable mindset. Pullela Gopichand (Badminton) Pullela Gopichand may not hog the limelight, however his academy has produced champions who do. Behind every Saina Nehwal and P.V. Sindhu is Gopichand’s pursuit of perfection. He teaches more than badminton—he teaches discipline, the fine art of never being satisfied with ‘good enough.’ His approach? “Precision is power.” Gopichand’s lessons extend beyond the game; they’re about living with intent and constantly striving for excellence. Red Auerbach (Basketball) Red Auerbach wasn’t just a coach—he was a visionary. The Boston Celtics’ rise under his leadership changed the game, both literally and figuratively. Known for lighting a victory cigar when he knew the game was won, Auerbach believed in “winning with class.” His lesson? Leadership is about empowering others. His players didn’t just play for him; they became better leaders under his watch and his legacy lives on through their success. Lessons Beyond the Scoreboard These coaches show us that sports, like life, are about more than just the final score. It’s about the discipline, the confidence, the patience and the vision we apply to everything we do. Whether you’re stepping onto a field or into a meeting room, their lessons resonate far beyond the game. On this Teachers’ Day, let’s celebrate these mentors who coach not just athletes , but champions in life. The Sportz Planet Desk,Nitya Sutrave
