NBA 2024

Industry Investment Rating - The Golden State Warriors maintain their position as the NBA's most valuable brand with a brand value of USD1.5 billion, up 4% from 2023 [30] - The Los Angeles Lakers are the strongest brand in the NBA, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 90.2 out of 100 and a prestigious AAA+ rating [39] - The Boston Celtics are the NBA's second strongest brand, boosting their BSI score by over six points to 88.8 out of 100 [39] Core Report Insights - The NBA has mastered the interplay of sports and entertainment, with celebrity appearances marketing NBA games as cultural events, enhancing brand appeal and perceived exclusivity [33] - The Denver Nuggets have more than doubled their brand value, up 122%, reaching USD344 million and jumping to 12th in the overall ranking [41] - The Indiana Pacers are this year's second fastest-growing NBA brand, with a brand value increase of 83% to USD182 million [48] Ranking Analysis - The Golden State Warriors retain their title as the world's most valuable NBA brand for the third consecutive year, outpacing second-ranked Los Angeles Lakers, whose brand value stands at USD1.1 billion [30] - The Boston Celtics remain the NBA's third most valuable brand following a 2023-2024 Championship win and a 50% increase in brand value to USD881 million [34] - Of the 30 NBA brands featured in the ranking, only two recorded a decrease in brand value: the Milwaukee Bucks and the Brooklyn Nets, down 13% to USD379 million and 18% to USD307 million, respectively [35] Brand Value & Brand Strength Analysis - The Los Angeles Lakers are the NBA's strongest brand for the second consecutive year, with a Brand Strength Index (BSI) score of 90.2 out of 100 and a prestigious AAA+ rating [39] - The Boston Celtics have risen to become the NBA's second strongest brand, boosting their BSI score by over six points to 88.8 out of 100 [39] - The Denver Nuggets have cracked the top 10 in terms of brand strength, ranking ninth, with a nearly 10-point improvement in BSI to 68.8 out of 100 [41] Sponsorship Insights - The NBA has excelled at reaching a young, diverse audience, which appeals to many brands [69] - Kia's partnership with the NBA stands as one of the longest-running collaborations, running over 16 years [81] - Tissot, as the NBA's official timekeeper, remains a powerful example of a well-aligned, long-term partnership [74] Methodology - Brand Finance uses the "Royalty Relief" methodology, the most widely used approach for brand valuations since it is grounded in reality [133] - Brand strength is the part of the analysis most directly and easily influenced by team performance, publicity, and brand management [121] - The Brand Strength Index (BSI) is essentially a modified Balanced Scorecard split between the three core pillars of the 'Brand Value Chain': Brand Inputs, Brand Equity, and Brand Performance [145]