The Knicks made an appearance at the top after Forbes Magazine named them the most valuable NBA franchise.

Forbes reported that the Knicks are worth approximately US dollars 613 million, with the Los Angeles Lakers - another of the league's flagship franchises - worth US dollars 584 million, according to the report.

The Knicks have not won a play-off game since 2001 but are aiming to climb back to prominence under new coach Mike D'Antoni and general manager Donnie Walsh.

However, their lack of success on the court apparently has not hurt them financially.

The Chicago Bulls (US dollars 504 million), Detroit Pistons (US dollars 480 million), Cleveland Cavaliers (US dollars 477 million), Houston Rockets (US dollars 469 million), Dallas Mavericks (US dollars 466 million), Phoenix Suns (US dollars 452 million), Boston Celtics (US dollars 447 million) and San Antonio Spurs (US dollars 415 million) complete the top 10.

According to Forbes, only one of the aforementioned clubs are not making a profit - Mark Cuban's Mavericks.

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