Cecily Fluke and Lesley Kump of Forbes Magazine write that the Los Angeles Lakers have passed the New York Knicks in franchise value in their last estimation.  The Lakers value went up 12% in one year to $403 million.  Forbes credits, in part, the Lakers' fantastic showing in the playoffs, but mostly notes the 1999 opening of the plush Staples Center which yields a lot of revenue.  

Championships have a lasting effect on value, they say.  The Chicago Bulls have not changed suite or ticket prices since Michael Jordan left, but win significantly fewer games and pay significantly less in payroll.  The Bulls earned $51.4 million last year for the best return in professional sports.