Forbes came out with annual list of most valuable NBA franchises.... Cleveland ranks one spot higher than NBA champions Celtics in value.

rankings: 1. Knicks, 2. Lakers, 3. Bulls, 4. Pistons, 5. Cavs, 6. Celtics....

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the top three are largest markets in North America (each with a population over 10 million)... and Pistons and Cavs are only seperated by $3million in assets so are almost a financial tie.... well done Dan Gilbert! Cavs are solid on many foundations. We're in the midst of a dream come true on so many levels.

yeah, I didn't see that post...... hope this is different enough subject to warrent its own thread then.... if not the mods can lock it so it doesn't splinter conversation.

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but to round out the actual figures: Knicks $613m, Lakers $584m, Bulls $504m, Pistons $480m, Cavs $477m, NBA champion Celtics $447m.

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that means the only franchises worth as much or more than Cavs last season: 2 are legendary markets who had extended play-off revenues from the finals, one other is in largest market in world and owns its own stadium and television network, the 4th still is elevated by its marketing revenues from Jordan dynasty era and is in third largest city... and then Detroit which has been in the conference finals for a decade of extra marketing income and play-off revenue.... Cavs are also worth more than Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Pheonix, Miami, Philly, Toronto, NJ to name some of the big markets we've eclipsed.

Dec 4, 2008 -- 8:58AM, El Mariachi wrote:

yeah, I didn't see that post...... hope this is different enough subject to warrent its own thread then.... if not the mods can lock it so it doesn't splinter conversation.

.

but to round out the actual figures: Knicks $613m, Lakers $584m, Bulls $504m, Pistons $480m, Cavs $477m, NBA champion Celtics $447m.

.

that means the only franchises worth as much or more than Cavs last season: 2 are legendary markets who had extended play-off revenues from the finals, one other is in largest market in world and owns its own stadium and television network, the 4th still is elevated by its marketing revenues from Jordan dynasty era and is in third largest city... and then Detroit which has been in the conference finals for a decade of extra marketing income and play-off revenue.... Cavs are also worth more than Houston, Dallas, San Antonio, Pheonix, Miami, Philly, Toronto, NJ to name some of the big markets we've eclipsed.

Its almost safe to say that Lebron made Cleveland a "BIG MARKET".  Also why would he want to go play in a big market if he is already playing in one.  I mean you can just see it on these boards.  We have fans from the Philippines/China/Europe/Aulstrailia.  Its obvious like Chuck said, Lebron is going to be big no matter where he plays.

where do we rank if Lebron leaves...? :(

Wow, cleveland ahead of the celtics market?

I'm impressed :)