The New York Times reports that billionaire businessman, Micky Arison, is considering selling the Miami Heat NBA franchise, which he has owned since 1995. This news comes amid speculation that Arison may be looking to focus on his other business ventures, including the cruise line industry.

The potential sale of the Heat is part of a wider trend in the NBA, with several franchises changing hands in recent years, often for record-breaking sums. The most notable example is the sale of the Brooklyn Nets in 2019 for $2.35 billion, which remains the largest sale of a sports franchise in history.

If the Heat were to be sold, it is likely that they would also fetch a high price, given their status as a perennial playoff team and their location in the lucrative Miami market. However, any potential sale is likely to be complicated by the fact that the team currently shares the American Airlines Arena with the NHL's Florida Panthers, who also have ownership ties to Arison.

The article also reports on the sale of two other sports franchises - the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Browns. The Bucks were sold in 2022 to hedge fund managers for a record-breaking $2.7 billion, while the Browns were sold earlier this year for $2.2 billion.

Overall, the article highlights the continued growth in the value of sports franchises, driven by a combination of factors including increased media revenue and the growing popularity of sports betting.