84. CHICAGO BULLS

Owner: Jerry Reinsdorf
Value: US$399 million

From total revenues of US$165 million in 2008, the Chicago Bulls recorded an operating profit of US$55.4 million, by far the most impressive figure in the NBA. Player expenses for the year were a modest US$67 million while gate receipts totalled US$51 million.

Average ticket price at the Bulls’ 23,500-capacity United Center was US$64 last year. Total attendance for the 2007/08 season was 901,502, an average of 21,987 per game – the second highest in the league. The Bulls co-own the arena with the Chicago Blackhawks NHL franchise.

Chicago White Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf has controlled the franchise since 1985 when he bought it for US$16 million. Reinsdorf, along with Michael Jordan, has been responsible for the commercial transformation of the Bulls. They are now six-time championship winners and continue to perform well in terms of sponsorship acquisition. The franchise has a large deal with Lexus to brand the arena's club seating area 'the Lexus Club Level.'

The Harris Club restaurant, which opened last year, charges US$15,750 per seat for 45 Bulls and 45 Blackhawks pre-season and regular season games.

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