Stephen Curry effect lends Golden State Warriors unprecedented $860 million valuation gap over nearest NBA rivals
Stephen Curry led Golden State Warriors came at #2 in the most coveted 100 Most Valuable Sports Teams in the World list released by Sportico.

Stephen Curry
For most people, sports are all about the glories of winning. The most important things are the moments and the excitement they generate, whether it’s a match-winning touchdown, a three-point shot that beats the buzzer, or a wondergoal to win a crucial football game. However, this isn’t always the case for the owners of the biggest sports clubs in the globe.
Notably, Sportico released its 100 Most Valuable Sports Teams in the World list and it’s surely come as a surprise regarding a sport or two. It’s safe to say that the NFL side Dallas Cowboys tops the list at #1 with $10.32 Billion. However, what has come to everyone’s surprise is another year of dominance for the Golden State Warriors, led by Captain Stephen Curry.
The Warriors sit at #2 making a statement against their NBA rivals, the New York Knicks who sit in #3rd place trailing the Warriors, just like last year’s list. Many would claim that it is Curry and his immense popularity that has helped the Warriors achieve 2nd place on the most-coveted list by Sportico. One thing is clear the NFL leads the sports teams’ valuation, then comes the NBA sides, followed by the MLB side New York Yankees (#5, 7.93 Billion).
The @Sportico 100 Most Valuable Sports Teams in the World list is out (great work by @kbadenhausen & @LevAkabas). The Cowboys top the list at $10.3B. Here in New England: Patriots #8 ($7.3B), Red Sox #22 ($5.69B), Celtics #24 ($5.66B) & Bruins #89 ($2.7B). https://t.co/QG3wmUFltA pic.twitter.com/s0O9iAvtP0
— Michael McCann (@McCannSportsLaw) February 26, 2025
However, the Warriors have put together one of the best teams in NBA history over the last ten years, which has contributed to their present worth.
They were formerly regarded as a mediocre team, but as stars like Curry, Kevin Durant, and Klay Thompson wore the uniform and won multiple titles(4) in recent years, their worth skyrocketed. Even though they are no longer smashing NBA records, the Warriors are still the most valued team in the entire sport of basketball. They’re making the most of their money, too, with a brand-new arena.
Like the Warriors, Stephen Curry sits at #2 on ‘highest-paid’ athlete list
Sports athletes like Stephen Curry and Cristiano Ronaldo sacrifice the major portions of their lives and careers doing what they love the most, winning multiple titles and accolades during that tenure. Because of their steady performances, their incomes and wages are likewise highly sought after.
According to Sportico, Cristiano Ronaldo earned an astounding $260 million, putting him in the top spot for the second year in a row. He received significantly more than Curry, the Golden State Warriors’ great point guard, who came in second with $153 million. However, if one only looks at basketball, Curry leads the list released by Sportico.
💰The Highest-Paid Athlete in Each Sport (Out of 100):
— Sportico (@Sportico) February 12, 2025
⚽️ #1
🏀 #2
🥊 #3
🏌️♂️ #10
🏈 #12
🏎️ #18
⚾️ #21
🎾 #43 pic.twitter.com/DU8JwkOfzs
It’s crucial to remember that Curry outperforms the soccer sensation in the “Brand Endorsements” category. Curry makes a staggering $100 million, whereas Ronaldo only makes $45 million. In terms of revenue from brand sponsorships, Curry surpasses all other athletes, not just Ronaldo. This demonstrates how well-liked the basketball player is worldwide.