Study says WNBA franchises increased in value by an average of 180% since last year, setting a record

TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:

"WNBA Franchise Values Surge by Average of 180% in Past Year, Setting New Record"

Study says WNBA franchises increased in value by an average of 180% since last year, setting a record analysis cover image

CNN 9.0

Image Source: https://media.cnn.com/api/v1/images/stellar/prod/gettyimages-2217193549.jpg?c=16x9&q=w_800,c_fill

Original Article Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/sport/wnba-franchise-increase-value-sportico-spt

View Raw Article Source (External Link)

Raw Article Publish Date: 24 June 2025

AI Analysis Average Score: 9.0

These scores (0-10 scale) are generated by Truthlens AI's analysis, assessing the article's objectivity, accuracy, and transparency. Higher scores indicate better alignment with journalistic standards. Hover over chart points for metric details.

TruthLens AI Summary

A recent study conducted by Sportico reveals that the 13 franchises of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) have experienced a remarkable increase in value, averaging 180% over the past year. This surge in valuation marks a significant milestone, surpassing the previous record for year-over-year gains in any major sports league. Currently, the total worth of WNBA teams is estimated at $3.5 billion, with each franchise averaging a value of $269 million, a substantial rise from the $96 million average in 2024. The last notable gain of this magnitude was recorded in 2014 when the NBA saw a similar increase following the acquisition of the Los Angeles Clippers by Steve Ballmer. The report attributes this valuation explosion to heightened television ratings, increased merchandise sales, improved attendance figures, and overall revenue growth within the league over the last year.

Among the franchises, the Golden State Valkyries, which debuted this season, have emerged as the most valuable team, currently valued at $500 million. This valuation is particularly impressive considering the franchise's status as a new expansion team that has already sold 10,000 season tickets in its inaugural year. The Valkyries are projected to achieve over $70 million in revenue by 2025, significantly surpassing the earnings of any WNBA team from the previous year. The defending champion New York Liberty follows closely, with a valuation of $420 million after a 222% increase. The Indiana Fever, highlighted by the arrival of star player Caitlin Clark, saw the highest growth at 273%, reaching a valuation of $335 million. The Fever has drawn over 17,000 fans on average to home games, outperforming several NBA and MLB teams. Sportico's valuation calculations were based on discussions with over 30 league stakeholders and include various financial metrics and real estate assets associated with each franchise.

TruthLens AI Analysis

You need to be a member to generate the AI analysis for this article.

Not a member yet? Register for free.

Unanalyzed Article Content

Source URL: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/06/24/sport/wnba-franchise-increase-value-sportico-spt

The 13 franchises of theWNBAincreased in value by an average of 180% over the last year,according to research by Sportico, which is more than “double the previous biggest year-over-year gain for a major sports league.”

According to Sportico, the teams are collectively worth $3.5 billion and on average, each franchise is worth $269 million, vastly more than the $96 million the average team was worth in 2024. The previous biggest year gain was seen by the NBA in 2014 after Steve Ballmerbought the Los Angeles Clippers.

TV ratings, merchandise sales, attendance and revenue increases over the last 12 months have led to the explosion of valuation for WNBA teams, per Sportico.

The most valuable team is the WNBA’s newest one, the Golden State Valkyries, which – despite only making its debut this season – is valued at $500 million by Sportico.

The Valkyries are tied to the Golden State Warriors, the NBA’s most valuable team with whom they share an arena. They became the first WNBA expansion team to hit 10,000 season tickets sold in their first season.

Sportico estimates that the Valkyries should make more than $70 million in revenue in 2025, more than double what any WNBA team made in 2024.

The second-highest valued team is the defending champion New York Liberty, which grew by 222% in valuation – the second-largest gain over the last year – and is valued at $420 million.

But the largest growth seen by a single franchise was seen by theIndiana Fever.

The Fever, led by superstar point guardCaitlin Clark, grew by 273%, ranking third overall with a $335 million valuation.

Clark’s arrival in Indianapolis in 2024 has made the Fever must-watch basketball. Sportico estimates that the team generated $34 million in revenue last season – nearly a 300% increase year-on-year – and their gameday merchandise sales per person were higher than any NBA team.

The Fever’s average of more than 17,000 home fans for games last season was more than six NBA teams this season and three MLB teams in 2024.

Sportico says it calculated its valuations through conversations with more than 30 people involved with the league, including bankers, lawyers, investors, consultants, team executives and owners. The totals include real estate assets tied to the franchises and are in line with each team’s revenues based on publicly available information and financial records.

Back to Home

Source: CNN