There we have it – the Golden State Warriors are the most valuable organization in the NBA for the 4th year running. They’re sitting pretty at the top after the Knicks and Lakers ran the show for two decades. A combination of on-court success and off-court finances led to this. But there’s one key aspect missing – and the fans know the impact that singular aspect has. It is, of course, Stephen Curry.

The Warriors are 2-1 down against the Timberwolves without their Captain America leading the front. Most of the Dub Nation knew their season ending was certain after just 8 minutes into the series. And you know how they knew this? Curry is the oldest player in NBA history to lead his team in points, rebounds, and assists in a playoff series. So the news of their team being the most valuable team yet again would’ve been some consolation.

But when you put the numbers into perspective, it’s funny to see just how much of an impact the Chef has over proceedings. The fans did it – and they let the league know exactly what the deal was. So let’s break them down.

Fans laud Stephen Curry’s impact on the Warriors

The main narrative set could be summed up by these replies: “Curry the GOAT fr fr no cap”, “Steph Curry changed the game”, and “Once Steph retires this number could go down.” But is it possible? And has Steph really had that much of an impact?

Turns out, yes. Prior to his arrival in 2009, Golden State was valued at just $315 million. Since then, the franchise has seen a massive increase in value, reaching $9.4 billion by 2025. This significant growth is attributed to Curry’s impact, as well as the team’s success and expanded fan base. Some fans even predicted the number after Steph’s retirement when one said, “Warriors will be worth ~4 billion less in 5 years …”

But GSW has to bank on Steph’s years before it’s too late. He’s 37, and on the verge of retirement. And being 2-1 down to Minnesota doesn’t help a great deal. Jimmy Butler knows exactly what’s at stake and sees this as an opportunity to give his Batman some much-needed rest. “If we don’t win, we damn sure don’t have to worry about getting Steph back this year,” said Robin. “We gotta put our big boy pants on and go out there and compete at a high level and get this one on Monday.”

But there was a big team missing in the top 5. Any guesses? Let the fans help you out: “The Celtics just sold for 6.1 Billion. How are they not valued at that,” and “Did you literally forget how much the celtics went for?” So, why weren’t they there?

Forbes’ NBA ranking system is dependent on on-court and off-court revenues, arena economics, market size, brand strength, broadcast deals, operating income, and historical transactions. That put Boston in 4th for the past year. By that measure, the Chase Center alone is worth $1 billion. The TD Garden, in contrast, is worth just $800.3 million.

The fans seem to know what actually caused the inflation of the org – and it’s Stephen Curry. While they do think that, executive chair Joe Lacob’s words might put that debate to rest.

Joe Lacob doesn’t credit the $9.08 billion value increase entirely to Stephen Curry

To be honest, the numbers tell the entire story. Lacob acquired the Warriors for $450 million, which is incredibly little if you compare it to the returns. Would they have reached this mark without their GOAT at the helm? We’ll never know.

But Lacob claims there’s more to the number than what meets the eye.

“People ask me what’s the one thing to turn the Warriors around? It’s… Steph Curry certainly helped. Having him on your roster. He was a rookie when we got the team… Really, the truth is, it’s not really one big thing. It’s not one or two inflection points. It’s every little thing,” said the exec chair back in 2017.

We all know their GOAT didn’t work alone for the Warriors to win 3/4 championships from 2015-2018. But their valuation increase from $315 million to $9.8 billion coinciding with Stephen Curry’s legacy leaves little to consider.