which wnba team is worth the most which wnba team is worth the most

WNBA owners now own 42 percent of the league following the raise, while NBA owners hold the other 42 percent share previously they had a 50/50 split with the new investors owning the rest. The Mystics, who came into the WNBA with Detroit in the first wave of expansion in 1998, had 12 coaches in their first 15 seasons, changing leadership during a season four different times. When not at the game you will find Austin on Twitter live tweeting his excitement for whatever team hes rooting for. The average price of a ticket is just over $100. Ogunbowale and Mabry, former Notre Dame teammates, have clicked again in the WNBA. Playoff appearances (record): 12 (42-24) Revealing those values is taboo across the league. Even a comparison over a 2019 which we might call a more normal year but we were a different league back then than we are now.. Championships: None The Lynx stewed for a year after a heartbreaking one-point loss to the Sparks on Nneka Ogwumike's putback in the 2016 WNBA Finals. We really want to set up new owners for success., Engelbert estimates an 18- to 24-month timeline from the identification of a new team to its inaugural season. The 2023 WNBA free agency period opened on Jan. 21, which means teams are now allowed to meet with players and offer contracts. The capital raise valued the league at $475 million, according to multiple sources, and the WNBA gave away roughly 16 percent equity in itself to investors as a result of that process. Playoff appearances (record): Four (6-9) Just as he cited the old American Football League in explaining why he chose to make Becky Hammon the leagues first million-dollar salaried coach, he used it to explain the need for more revenue. While the WNBA only pays out 20% of its revenue, it doesn't actually turn a profit. Playoff appearances (record): 15 (27-36) This makes them the most valuable franchise in all of sports. Playoff appearances (record): Two (5-8) High point: Defeating Connecticut 3-1 for the championship in the league's first best-of-five WNBA Finals series in 2005. As well as earned All-WNBA First Team and Second Team honors. Face of the franchise: Lisa Leslie (1997-2009) Playoff appearances (record): One (1-2) Then COVID hit. Beard, who is Black, said she wants to bring a team to Oakland, in part, to change the profile of who a team owner is and to create more access and opportunities for other women that look exactly like me.. Regular-season record: 143-179 During his time in New York, Jordan won two NBA Championships (2000, 2002) and was named MVP of both events. Abrahams said that New Media Sports & Entertainment actually needed to get clearance from MLSE in order to begin acquisition negotiations in 2019, which likely means the arena that has been approved by the WNBA is Scotiabank Arena, the Raptors arena which is owned and operated by MLSE. Championships: None These are usually only available during the off-season since there is no collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players association like there is with the NBA so salaries cannot be discussed ahead of time. We have been actively exploring this for a long time, Lacob told the San Francisco Chronicle last year. "I wish we . In the last seven years of the Shock's existence in Detroit, they reached the playoffs each season, got to the WNBA Finals four times and won three titles. On Monday, Sportico released its valuations for every NBA franchise in 2021, and according to their numbers, the three most valuable teams in the league are now worth a combined 15 billion dollars. High point: Making the WNBA Finals in 2020 in the team's third season in Las Vegas. Unlike other professional leagues, like the NFL and NBA, where playoffs are determined by conference or division winners, the WNBAplayoffs are determined by the teams that finish with the top eight records, so adding a single team wouldnt change that much of the equation. But forward/center Parker would be the No. Auriemma doesn't see his team cutting down any nets this season. Face of the franchise: Seimone Augustus (2006-2019) WNBA career stats leaders: Sylvia Fowles in rebounds (3,640), rebounding average (9.81) and field goal percentage (59.6) For picks No. Looming over this process, however, is the value of a WNBA franchise. Also clouding the leagues expansion plans are the financial positions of current teams. Playoff appearances (record): Nine (20-14) But they never gained traction, and when the WNBA opted to allow non-NBA ownership after the 2002 season, the Miracle were bought by the Mohegan Tribe and moved to Connecticut for 2003. Behind LAFC comes Atlanta United ($845 million) and LA Galaxy ($835 million). In 2019, it was $74,349. For example, a citys population, political affiliation and policies, and generational demographics will be factors, Engelbert said, as the league knows it already skews to young and female fans. WNBA mock draft: Villanova's Siegrist soars into lottery pick, Serena, Griner honored at NAACP Image Awards, Sparks officially re-sign forward N. Ogwumike, Griner on court in 1st open workout since release, WNBA draft set for N.Y., to have 'Orange Carpet', 2-time All-Star C. Ogwumike back with Sparks, Griner officially rejoins Mercury in 'special signing', Yang joins Sparks after FIBA silver with China, WNBA trade grades: Why Wings, Liberty earn top marks in Saturday's four-team trade. MVPs: None Other notable stars: Vicky Bullett, Allison Feaster, Rhonda Mapp, Charlotte Smith, Andrea Stinson, Tammy Sutton-Brown. The team was owned by Russian billionaire Sergey Brin and Chinese investor Joe Tsai, who started out as employees of Google's China office. Over that span, the league has made changes to sustain the WNBA as both a sports league and a profession for womens basketball players. . Revenue and operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) are for the 2020-21 season and are net of revenue sharing and arena debt service. Then Fowles, after seven seasons with the Sky, sat out the start of the 2015 season until she was traded to Minnesota, where she has won two titles. Franchise journey: Detroit was in the first WNBA expansion wave with Washington in 1998, and made the playoffs just once in its first five seasons. Meanwhile, Shock assistant Cheryl Reeve left to take over at Minnesota, starting a dynasty there. 2 draft pick in 1998, as a great guard-post combo. At only 31 years old, she is a five-time WNBA All-Star, a three-time All-WNBA First Team honouree, the WNBA's Most Improved Player, and many other notable accomplishments. The arena is owned by the city, which would allow for necessary upgrades through tax increment financing. (Rich von Biberstein / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images), Warriors majority owner Joe Jacob has interest in bringing a WNBA team to San Francisco. MVPs: None The global financial crisis of 2007-08 took a toll on the WNBA, which lost Charlotte in January 2007, Houston in December 2008 and Sacramento in December 2009. The NBA, however, turns a profit of roughly $2.1B per year, which is what allows them to payout 50% of the league revenue to players. The WNBA launched with eight NBA-affiliated teams in June 1997. A team can have more than one player make over the cap, but they can't have more than $113 million US dollars in total contract obligations. The league currently gets an average of $2.66 billion a year from Walt Disneys ABC and ESPN and AT&Ts Turner Broadcasting. Then everything changed in the 2010 season: Cheryl Reeve was hired as head coach, forward Brunson was picked in the Sacramento Monarchs dispersal draft and a trade brought point guard Whalen home to Minnesota. MVPs: Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005), Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998) I strongly suspect they are worth more than any WNBA team. In all but one case -- Tulsa to Dallas -- the ownership was different when the franchise moved, and in all cases the teams have had distinct identities. Williams, a two-sport All-American in basketball and volleyball at UCLA, was the Starzz' best player after she came from the ABL, and was also was a Utah native. Face of the franchise: Dawn Staley (1999-2005) But Davis has been very involved, so the change seems positive for the future. They officially were the "Silver Stars" from then through 2013, then just the "Stars" their last four seasons. 1 draft picks was on the way. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Other notable stars: Jewell Loyd, Alysha Clark, Camille Little, Swin Cash, Tanisha Wright, Betty Lennox. This amounts to a profit margin of 17%. Between our citys innate love of basketball, and our ardent support of womens sports, this feels like a natural fit for our community.. But after four seasons, Johnson was ready to move on from the WNBA. Sabally at 22 has a bright future, and Gray at 26 has been one of the Wings' most dependable players the past five seasons. High point: Beating four-time WNBA champ Houston in the Western Conference semifinals in 2002, before falling to eventual champion Los Angeles. Regular-season record: 59-145 And Carter's future seems uncertain. In the last decade, womens college basketball has become one of the most popular sports in the state with Oregon and Oregon State ranking among the top 25 nationally in attendance per game from 2017 to 2020. While WNBA statistics have yet to be revealed, a number of those teams are said to have been supported by NBA ownership. WNBA career stats leaders: Lisa Leslie in defensive rating (88.43) But McCoughtry was injured late in the 2018 season, didn't play in 2019 and left as a free agent for Las Vegas in 2020. From 2007-2013, the Sparks were owned first by Gemini Basketball and then Williams Group Holdings, but there was concern in late 2013/early 2014 that the franchise might move when Williams opted out of ownership. That's an increase from 2020, when the average team valuation crossed $2 billion for the first time, according to Forbes. MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2015) Today, the Knicks are one of the most popular teams in New York, if not all of sports their fan base has been called the city's biggest sports "fervor". The Birch family also has interests in MLB's Chicago Cubs and MLS' Chicago Fire. After Seattle took Australian star Lauren Jackson No. Franchise journey: Many things went right for the Comets from the start. Vandersloot to New York, the rise of superteams and a Liberty-Aces WNBA Finals? Other notable stars: Katie Douglas, Shannon Johnson, Elaine Powell, Nykesha Sales. MVPs: None In 2016, the Brooklyn Nets became the first new franchise to enter the league since 1976. Bevilaqua (with Seattle) and Walker (with Sacramento) both went on to be WNBA champions. By years end, a new location will be named and expansion projections will include expansion draft projections as the league prepares to welcome another market, a new team and even more talent. "My wish is that ESPN would drive the push for the WNBA instead of waiting," says Lobo. At his highest, Joe Tsai was worth nearly $15 billion but over the past two years has . WNBA career stats leaders: Margo Dydek in blocks (877) and block percentage (8.99); Jennifer Azzi in 3-point field goal percentage (45.8) The WNBAs capital raise, she said, is further indication that now is the time to get involved with the league. 1 in 2001, Charlotte bypassed Catchings with the No. But there just wasn't a strong commitment from Heat ownership to the Sol. MVPs: Yolanda Griffith (1999) To date, the Monarchs are the last WNBA franchise to fold. High point: Making their only WNBA Finals appearance in 2001, under coach Anne Donovan. Low point: There hasn't been one, although the Aces were disappointed to be swept by Seattle in the 2020 Finals. Face of the franchise: Diana Taurasi (2004-present) Ticket sales account for $50 million, or more than 83 percent of the WNBA's overall revenue. The WNBA is presently anticipated to earn $60 million in income, with $12.3 million of that money given to its players. Houston would win just four more playoff games from 2001-2008 before folding after two seasons under owner Hilton Koch, who had bought the team from Alexander. In mid-January 2022, CAA Icon presented the Sports Authority Board with a report that found solid interest in the initiative. Said one league source: Logistically Toronto would be difficult until the league moves to charter flights. The earliest opportunity to amend the WNBA travel restrictions would be during the next CBA negotiations (which the league or WNBPA can opt out of in November 2024), and as of now, sources say, less than half of league owners have been vocal in their support of chartering flights. Face of the franchise: Alyssa Thomas (2014-present) It moved to San Antonio after that season. High point: Led by Diggins-Smith, making the playoffs in their second year in Dallas. Regular-season record: 48-48 Earvin "Magic" Johnson - $620 Million. They had an engaged fan base that loved the "Bad Girls" style reminiscent of Laimbeer's "Bad Boys" playing days in Detroit, plus the explosive skill of Nolan, who was from nearby Flint, Michigan. MVPs: Tina Charles (2012) Franchise journey: The Aces are this low only because they're in just their fourth season in Las Vegas. That union provided the Sky with their best record (24-10) in 2013 when Delle Donne was Rookie of the Year, and the next season the Sky reached the WNBA Finals, where they were swept by Phoenix. He's been known to watch games in the rain, snow, sleet, hail or shine! A league source said Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), the group that owns the Raptors, has done its due diligence to bring an expansion franchise to Toronto. The Warriors' revenue comes primarily from ticket sales ($153 million) and corporate partnerships ($100 million). They already have done their due diligence on such a project. Joe Tsai. Other notable stars: Ruthie Bolton, Rebekkah Brunson, Kara Lawson, Ticha Penicheiro, Nicole Powell, Tangela Smith, DeMya Walker. Value: $4.6 billion. The Raptors are worth a reported $2.74 billion making them the country's most valued sports franchise. Former Senator Kelly Loeffler is out as an owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Seven players from five different teams will earn the WNBA supermax salary of $221,450, per Spotrac. 1 pick in the 1998 draft, she was a fan favorite in five seasons in Utah and the rest of her career in San Antonio, Connecticut and Los Angeles. 2 pick and took Kelly Miller. Said Abrahams: They know weve done our financial model, they know whos involved with our group. Chicago Bulls: $3.3 billion. One thing the league did want was to make sure the Toronto team was more than majority Canadian owned, and we didnt get some overseas money or anything weird like that, Abrahams said. The Rose City attempted to house a WNBAfranchise for three seasons from 2000-2002, but it failed. High point: Making the playoffs in their final season in Tulsa, 2015, before getting swept by Phoenix. The wondrously talented Stinson is the franchise's all-time scoring leader but point guard Staley -- who came to the league in 1999 from the ABL -- became the heart of the team. Before Joe Lacob bought the Golden State Warriors, he was an investor in the American Basketball League, a competitor to the WNBA in the late 1990s. The Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets were next with values of about $1 billion each. Playoff appearances (record): Six (8-14) Based out of Milwaukee, the Bucks compete in the National Basketball Association (NBA) as a member of the league's Eastern Conference Central Division. Figures in USD $6200M for a 5-year period, so for the 2023 season this is USD $1240M for the League, $124M per team, $16.7M per match) Note that this is only the revenue from the sale of media rights to broadcasters. She tried for years to make a comeback but was beset with injuries and ended up playing just 53 games total. The remaining 24.2 percent were moderately interested. When asked to rate their interest in a particular sport on a scale of 1 to 5, womens professional soccer was the favorite option while womens professional basketball ranked second. Several sources said few WNBA teams are currently profitable. Regular-season record: 108-112 She has served in Russian basketball clubs like BC Chevakata Vologda and PBC Nadezhda Orenburg. The Aces are on their second owner in Sin City as Las Vegas Raiders boss Mark Davis bought the team from MGM Resorts International earlier this year. Get Forbes daily top headlines delivered straight to your inboxfor news on the worlds most important entrepreneurs and superstars, expert career advice and success secrets. It averaged 75,000 viewers per regular season game in 2017, according to Nielsen, but that more than doubled to 162,000 viewers per nationally televised game last season. Here is what every team in the NBA is worth in 2021, according to Sportico: 30. That brought young post players Charli Collier, 21, and Awak Kuier, 20, who could blossom. Engelberts primary responsibility through the first three years of her tenure has been to transform the WNBAs economics. Ticket sales and sponsorships are large revenue drivers. Heres a look at the six markets that seem the most prepared and probable to be on the short list for WNBAexpansion: During the fall of 2019, the Nashville Sports Authority board commissioned CAA Icon a consulting firm that works with venue owners and operations, professional sports franchises and sports leagues to conduct market research on the viability of and interest in a professional womens sports team in the city. Finally, people are understanding the value of the WNBAand what we offer.. However, she added: Once the WNBAtakes a more definitive approach (to expansion), were confident that there will be an ownership group that comes forward.. Playoff appearances (record): Nine (24-19) From a 1983 agreement to cap payrolls, NBA Players are guaranteed at least 53% of league revenue. In the next few months, the most talked about issue in the WNBA should finally have some clarity. Face of the franchise: Elena Delle Donne (2017-present) Franchise journey: They made four playoff appearances in their seven seasons, but the Rockers were gone before they really had a chance to make an impact. WNBA career stats leaders: Courtney Vanderslooot in assists per game (6.7) Face of the franchise: Sheri Sam (2000-02) Low point: Losing the 2012 Eastern finals to Indiana, after which coach Mike Thibault was fired and went to Washington. Help Accessibility In the WNBA, Vandersloot holds the records for most assists in a season, most assists-per-game in a season, and most career assists-per-game. Its amazing to be in the conversation, Beard said. 4. Other notable stars: Ariel Atkins, Alana Beard, Tina Charles, Natasha Cloud, Chamique Holdsclaw, Ivory Latta, Crystal Langhorne, Emma Meesseman, Murriel Page. That's when Sparks LA Sports, which included Laker legend Magic Johnson, stepped in to buy the team. In the league, were in big investment mode. But at only an 83 overall, Thompson is severely underrated in NBA 2K22. She told The Athletic that the value of the WNBAs 12 individual teams plus the league itself is worth over $1 billion. Owned by the Cleveland Cavaliers, their last season was the summer that LeBron James was the No. Championships: Three (2007, 2009, 2014) With the league celebrating its 25th season, we rank every franchise in each of its incarnations in different cities, all 23 of them. Theprivate equity firmalsobought just under 5%of the Golden State Warriorsat a$5.5 billion valuation in April, thehigh-water markfor a minority stake and 17% above our last estimate. Playoff appearances (record): Eight (17-21) The NBA has gained undeniable traction over the last decade, at least from a financial standpoint. She wanted to get back into the WNBA, but she had a different goal on her whiteboard: team ownership. Other notable stars: Essence Carson, Shameka Christon, Becky Hammon, Vickie Johnson, Rebecca Lobo, Betnijah Laney, Tari Phillips, Cappie Pondexter, Crystal Robinson, Tina Charles, Sue Wicks. Other notable stars: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Ivory Latta, Tiffany Jackson-Jones, Glory Johnson, Sheryl Swoopes, Odyssey Sims, Riquna Williams. Sources also have connected South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, a Philadelphia native, to the group. Fawknotson remains optimistic about Nashvilles chances for WNBAexpansion. Minnesota Timberwolves: $1.43 billion, 15. The deal occurred only after the NBA asked several league owners to step in to take over the franchise because it had languished on the market for more than 14 months, sources said. Though that method of valuation is unusual in comparison to how other professional sports leagues conduct their valuations, it also places the average value of a WNBA team at more than $43.75 million. Face of the franchise: Sheryl Swoopes (1997-2007) At its largest, the WNBA expanded to 16 teams, but has been at 12 since 2010. High point: Finishing first (22-10) in the Eastern Conference in 2001, their best season. Franchise journey: If you became a Mystics fan sometime in the last nine years, you missed the roller coaster of ups and downs and carousel of coaches that preceded that. Were definitely looking to significantly enhance the financial performance of many of our teams, but many of our teams are still in big investment mode, she said. What's the best franchise in WNBA history? Knicks of New York Forbes released a list of the most valuable sports franchises on Friday, with the New York Knicks ranking first in the NBA. It has a rabid basketball fan base, with love for not only the 76ers but five local college teams. Those four made up the core of the 2004 and 2005 teams that advanced to the WNBA Finals. Nashville and the state of Tennessee just has such a strong history and support of womens basketball.. Low point: After winning the Eastern Conference for the first time in 2010, the Mystics lost their coach and general manager when they wanted to combine those jobs into one. Of 4,400 residents interviewed, 41.6 percent said they were very interested or extremely interested in womens professional sports, and 34.2 percent said they were slightly interested or not at all interested in womens professional sports. The No. The Blazers have leases with the city of Portland for both arenas. Face of the franchise: Sue Bird (2002-present) LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers are now valued at $5.5 billion, joining the New York Knicks . Other notable stars: Iziane Castro Marques, Erika de Souza, Armintie Harrington, Tiffany Hayes, Sancho Lyttle, Courtney Williams, Elizabeth Williams. Face of the franchise: Teresa Weatherspoon (1997-2003) People are right now investing in the potential of what it could be. Welcome to the Farm! 1 draft pick Sabrina Ionescu in the third game of last season with an ankle injury, and ending 2020 with a franchise-low two victories. Her fandom is not just performative. The Lynx have been in a talent re-stocking process the last few seasons, but still consistently make the playoffs. Other notable stars: Elena Baranova, Debbie Black, Sandy Brondello, Betty Lennox, Ruth Riley. Thats an increase from 2020, when the average team valuation crossed $2 billion for the first time, according to Forbes. He came back to New York for one final season in 2009 before announcing his retirement. MLSE is developing a comprehensive business strategy to explore opportunities for involvement in all womens professional sports, including basketball, and look forward to working with leagues and partners across the industry as part of that process.. The Milwaukee Bucks are the next richest basketball team in the NBA. In 2017, the franchise was worth 3.3 billion US dollars, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, who were worth just a bit less than the Knicks. Lacob called owning a WNBA team a dream in 2014. Championships: One (2005) Take, for example, the New York Knicks. The offer was enticing enough that chairman Max Abrahams and his team put in an offer to acquire that franchise for a price of $3.5 million. Such feats have undoubtedly increased her value and as such, she is now one of the highest-paid in the WNBA. What you need to know about the Chicago Sky. One of the most storied franchises in WNBA history, the Liberty began play as one of the WNBA's eight original teams and took part in the league's inaugural game, defeating the Los Angeles . The base salary for WNBA rookies varies on when (or if) players were selected in the WNBA Draft. Low point: This season is pretty bleak: Hoped-for star Chennedy Carter is indefinitely suspended, the Dream have lost 10 in a row and they're about to miss the playoffs for the fourth time in five years. 2,$5.6 billion) and the Los Angeles Lakers (No. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Regular-season record: 238-287 The Mohegan Tribe in Connecticut, which had an arena at the Mohegan Sun Casino and wanted to capitalize on the popularity of women's basketball in the state thanks to UConn, bought the Miracle. 10. Arctos Sports Partners nabbed a 17% stake in the Sacramento Kings at a $1.84 billion valuation last month,just above our February estimate of $1.825 billion. Other than in 2008 and 2012, they've made the playoffs every year since. Add in Young-Malcolm as the No. Memphis Grizzlies: $1.36 billion. The latest ranking reported that the Golden State Warriors is the most . Face of the franchise: Jackie Stiles (2001-02) They also own MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers and NFL's Los Angeles Rams. - it's no wonder why Liz Cambage's earnings ar eup there. High point: Going 20-12 and making their lone playoff appearance in 2001, falling to New York. Though that method of valuation is unusual in comparison to how other . Meanwhile the average overall WNBA ticket price is $47 on SeatGeek. By the Forbes' 2020 list estimates, five NHL teams are worth at least $1 billion: the Rangers ($1.65B), Maple . Regular-season record: 87-99 2023 RANKING; Billionaire Secrets The Business Of . 1 picks and drafted superstars with all four picks: Jackson (2001), Bird (2002), Loyd (2015) and Stewart (2016). Excitingly for the league, the average cost of WNBA tickets has an opportunity to rise even further today. The former Michigan State star caught up with For The Win to discuss the big . In 1998, there were only two teams who were making money: the Houston Comets and the Charlotte Hornets. Franchise journey: The Dream are the last expansion franchise to join the WNBA, in 2008. Shortly after losing out on that relocation bid, New Media Sports & Entertainment began putting together another bid this time for an expansion team. The Bay Area is the second-largest media market in the country in which the WNBA does not have a presence, after Philadelphia. MVPs: Nneka Ogwumike (2016), Candace Parker (2008, 2013), Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006) And this next year, revenue is expected to eclipse $9 billion. Regular-season record: 422-390 The franchise took momentum with them to Texas, having had winning records in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and making the playoffs in their last two seasons in Utah. Engelbert, however, said she does not believe those precedents are in play for franchise valuations going forward. Face of the franchise: Liz Cambage (2011-13) We had to build a (Warriors) team and business organization. Franchise journey: After the 2002 season the WNBA was ready for independent ownership outside of NBA franchises, and the Sun were the first to go that route.