Sunday night’s victory for the Warriors was two-fold for owner Joe Lacob. Not only did his team even up the NBA Finals with a dominating defensive effort in a 107-88 victory, but the win ensured that the series will return to San Francisco for Game 5.
Cha ching.
So, just how much money does Golden State stand to make with this Finals run? The Athletic’s Tim Kawakami shared his estimates, and it’s looking like a solid eight-figure haul for the franchise.
Each of the first three rounds of the playoffs included three home games for the Warriors, who closed out at Chase Center every time – the Denver Nuggets, Memphis Grizzlies and Dallas Mavericks. Check. Check. Check. TV ratings for the Warriors have also been through the roof all postseason.
An extra $30 million of cash in two months doesn’t hurt. Plus, the re-establishment of the brand as basketball’s elite franchise and contemporary dynasty can only add to the value of the Warriors.
Golden State could use the money to help soften future luxury tax bills. According to @GSWReddit, Lacob and the Warriors spent nearly $350 million on this year’s payroll, which includes about a $160 million luxury tax tab.
The price of stardom isn’t cheap, especially when they’re homegrown players like Steph Curry ($45.8 million), Klay Thompson ($40.0 million) and Draymond Green ($24 million). Andrew Wiggins ($31.6 million) is also on a max deal and his contract is set to expire following the 2022-23 season.
More contracts are on the way.
The Warriors will likely try to keep Wiggins around. Jordan Poole’s rookie deal also finishes after 2022-23 and he could be in line for a big extension this summer.
In the immediate future, key veteran center Kevon Looney and guard Gary Payton II are also due respective raises as they hit unrestricted free agency following the Finals.
To put it another way: the extra $30 million essentially could be used to offset a prime year of Poole or three-plus years of Looney or Payton.
For now, Lacob just wants another trophy, but the extra payday for Game 5 could also pay dividends for the long-term financial flexibility of the franchise.
