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

The organization did not respond to a request for comment from Forbes. We could see the Aces much higher in this kind of ranking a few years from now; they are contenders for the title again this season. In the league, were in big investment mode. In order to break a tie, the following criteria will be utilized in the order set forth: By 2003, all but one team was breaking even or losing money. Nike, of course, has serious ties to the league. For the first time, all 30 NBA teams have a perceived worth of $1.3 billion or more, per Forbes' annual report. The New York Knicks are also the most valued franchise among the National Basketball Association's 30 franchises (NBA). 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. Championships: One (2019) How much is the Houston Astros franchise worth? Regular-season record: 241-149 Rookie Wire took a look at the NBA through games played on Sunday and ranked each team from worst to first. Boston Celtics: $3.2 . The next media rights contract will be vital for the league, not only in bringing in more money to each team but also in lifting up franchise values. (Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press via Associated Press). MVPs: Breanna Stewart (2018), Lauren Jackson (2003, 2007, 2010) We opted to rank the franchises separately rather than group Utah/San Antonio/Las Vegas, Detroit/Tulsa/Dallas and Orlando/Connecticut. Excitingly for the league, the average cost of WNBA tickets has an opportunity to rise even further today. The group has an exclusive negotiation agreement with the city of Oakland to acquire 50 percent of Oakland Arena where the Warriors played until they moved in 2019 and have a non-binding lease agreement with the arena. 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. The Sol were affiliated with the Miami Heat and were coached by Ron Rothstein, who had been the Heat's first coach when they joined the NBA in 1988. The WNBA has said that it intends to keep ticket prices affordable. They pay for the potential and so the WNBAis becoming a major part of the conversation as we speak.. Engelbert named the NHL, NASCAR and MLS as peers in terms of viewership numbers but also as leagues with annual rates five to 15 times higher than the WNBA. The WNBA's average base salary is around $130,000, with the rookie minimum at $60,471 and the veteran minimum at $72,141. 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. That it came on the University of Minnesota's home court where Whalen played as a collegian (Target Center was being renovated) made it all the more memorable. Other notable stars: Liz Cambage, Chelsea Gray, Dearica Hamby, Kayla McBride, Angel McCoughtry, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young. She was also named one of the WNBA's top 20 players as part of the . First-year Wings coach Vickie Johnson has a lot to work with, but it's also a tough league in which to be this young. Face of the franchise: Becky Hammon (2007-2014) They already have done their due diligence on such a project. As interested investors wait for the WNBAto update them on where the process stands, it has become clear the league is asking two main questions when it considers new owners and cities: Where will the money come from and where will the new team play? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Championships: One (2005) Regular-season record: 351-273 An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The WNBA and its teams are now valued at $1 billion following a historic capital raise of $75 million, a source with knowledge of the investment's impact told Front Office Sports. The Dream made their eight playoff appearances in a 10-season stretch from 2009-2018, and they were a victory away from the 2018 WNBA Finals. Franchise journey: One of the original eight WNBA franchises, the Monarchs were affiliated with the Sacramento Kings and owned by the Maloof family, which for several years was very involved with the Monarchs. Regular-season record: 87-99 Since the Knicks haven't posted their financial statements online like most other teams, they were given an exemption by Forbes to be able to calculate their value. 1 draft picks was on the way. They sometimes have to pay to appear on local TV, essentially debiting that outlay as a marketing spend just to air its games in its local market. WNBA career stats leaders: Sylvia Fowles in rebounds (3,640), rebounding average (9.81) and field goal percentage (59.6) She has broken the WNBA mark for assists . The report estimated the franchise's value at $2 billion, making it the most expensive team in the league. Behind LAFC comes Atlanta United ($845 million) and LA Galaxy ($835 million). With an ownership group already vetted by the NBA and their own arena, the Warriors loom as a strong option if the league decides to enter the fray to bring an expansion team to the Bay Area. 2002 Fleer Authentix WNBA Sue Bird RC #101 /2002. And on senior night, No. Said Abrahams: They know weve done our financial model, they know whos involved with our group. Playoff appearances (record): Nine (24-19) League sources believe Philadelphia has potential as an eventual expansion city, but it would likely mean the involvement of the 76ers both financially and in terms of an arena. Face of the franchise: Arike Ogunbowale (2019-present) High point: Stiles, on the heels of a magical run to the Final Four with Missouri State, winning WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2001 -- yes, over Seattle's Lauren Jackson, which really shouldn't have happened. High point: Finishing first (22-10) in the Eastern Conference in 2001, their best season. WNBA salary: $170,000. But, fast forward to 2020, and every team in the league was profitable, with average operating income surging to $62 million. After reading about how he increased his father's fortune from $750 million to an estimated $6-7 billion, I suppose you wouldn't expect anything less from him. Two years later, Michael Alter reportedly paid $10 million for an expansion team in Chicago. How does marketing in the WNBA stack up against the NBA . 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. Playoff appearances (record): Seven (8-18) Championships: Four (1997, 1998, 1999, 2000) Following the funding, the valuation of the WNBA and its teams . He came back to New York for one final season in 2009 before announcing his retirement. Low point: Missing the playoffs for a fifth consecutive season in 2009. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. The city could also serve as a gateway to the shoe companies that keep their headquarters nearby. 1 draft picks in 2017 (Plum), 2018 (Wilson) and 2019 (Young). 1 in 2001, Charlotte bypassed Catchings with the No. They are well-positioned to bring a team to San Francisco if they decide to make a full-throttle pitch. Best players: Diamond DeShields, Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot. Visit ESPN to view 2022 WNBA stat leaders. However, nothing can be officially signed until Feb. 1, when the . Face of the franchise: A'ja Wilson (2018-present) 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. Net Worth: $400,000; WNBA Team: Washington Mystics While WNBA statistics have yet to be revealed, a number of those teams are said to have been supported by NBA ownership. The W.N.B.A. Several sources said few WNBA teams are currently profitable. Other notable stars: Ariel Atkins, Alana Beard, Tina Charles, Natasha Cloud, Chamique Holdsclaw, Ivory Latta, Crystal Langhorne, Emma Meesseman, Murriel Page. The average salary this season for a WNBA player is $120,648. When you think about NBA teams or MLB teams, NFL teams, people paid for what the value is, not necessarily what they are worth in that moment. The 2023 WNBA free agency period opened on Jan. 21, which means teams are now allowed to meet with players and offer contracts. The recent capital raise was heralded by Engelbert as a boon. 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.. Playoff appearances (record): 15 (41-34) MVPs: None Low point: Diggins-Smith insisting on a trade before the 2020 season, a year after Cambage had done the same thing. Nashville and the state of Tennessee just has such a strong history and support of womens basketball.. Regular-season record: 59-145 But the Wings haven't done much yet, losing single-elimination games in their two playoff appearances. High point: Going 20-12 and making their lone playoff appearance in 2001, falling to New York. Golden State Warriors. The NBA has gained undeniable traction over the last decade, at least from a financial standpoint. Hammon is still in San Antonio, as a Spurs assistant. 1 pick. 1 picks and drafted superstars with all four picks: Jackson (2001), Bird (2002), Loyd (2015) and Stewart (2016). However, MLSE wouldnt confirm directly whether its directly involved with the bid put forth by New Media Sports & Entertainment. Once again, the franchise is considered the most valuable of any of the NBA's 30 clubs, according to a report from Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes. Five franchises will pay their top earner less than $200,000 for the upcoming campaign. Sykes said, In my opinion, the WNBA saved our democracy, then asked Ogwumike what could be done to get more people involved and interested in the WNBA. She would go on to win two championships with the Shock, while the three players obtained for her played just 37 combined games for Minnesota. Tsai, who is worth $8.7 billion according to Forbes, bought the team and moved it to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Regular-season record: 422-390 Davis owns the NFL's Las Vegas Raiders and has been a proponent of spending more . In 2009, the Detroit Shock sold for approximately $5 million, based on legal documents filed by its then-owners. Regular-season record: 37-59 2023 RANKING; Billionaire Secrets The Business Of . 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. Its amazing to see it all happening. That said, there's something to be said for perception, and also educated guesses. In 2016, Verizon became the primary sponsor of the WNBA Finals. Regular-season record: 341-380 Other notable stars: Jennifer Azzi, Elena Baranova, Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Adrienne Goodson, Wendy Palmer, Natalie Williams. The Lynx have been in a talent re-stocking process the last few seasons, but still consistently make the playoffs. These three teams play in the leagues biggest marketsand under normal circumstances generate the most revenue because of their lucrative local television deals and arenas that produce piles of cash from luxury seating and advertising. The buyers, Mark Walter and Todd Boehley, have a path to eventually buying out controlling owner Jerry Buss Family Estate at some point in the future. The Warriors opened the Chase Center in 2019, a self-funded arena in San Franciscos Mission Bay area which could host a WNBA season if they bring in a team. After two seasons playing in White Plains, New York, and last year in the bubble in Bradenton, Florida, the Liberty are now at Barclays Center full time. We know that its time because theres such great talent coming out of the NCAA ranks into our league. has raised $75 million from more than two dozen investors in a bid to revamp its business model as players call for expansion, higher salaries and better benefits. Then we had to build an arena (Chase Center). 1 draft pick for Los Angeles the next year. An unlucky injury for Tennessee star Catchings -- she tore her ACL, which prematurely ended her senior season -- was fortuitous for the Fever. Lacob called owning a WNBA team a dream in 2014. It was none other than the NBA itself who took the initiative of doing this. The community is very supportive and excited about the opportunity for the WNBA. The Knicks have many assets, including World Class Talent, a passionate fan base, and their home arena, Madison Square Garden. They then obtained center Fowles via trade during the 2015 season. The current salary cap for the NBA is about $75 million US dollars; this limit is set by each team in order to maintain financial stability. One league source believes that the company was responsible for a substantial portion of the $75 million raised. 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. 2 in the 1999 WNBA draft, which included many players (like her) who were from the defunct ABL. Powers, who won a title with the Washington Mystics in 2019, recently signed a new contract to join the Minnesota Lynx. Adding international commercial travel to league scheduling would only exacerbate the problem. While the franchise ultimately ended up in other hands (and, according to Abrahams, went for a lower price in order for that franchise to stay in market), it got Toronto in the game early in terms of expansion talks with the league. We recognize how important sport is to girls and women in Toronto and across Canada, and are eager to support organizations and initiatives which have the possibility to transform lives, MLSE said in a statement. But they fell to Charlotte in the East semifinals. Engelbert would not disclose the number of teams projected as profitable for the 2022 season. Playoff appearances (record): None Three have been with single-digit victory totals, and they're closing in on the fourth. Regular-season record: 204-251 Championships: None Championships: Three (2007, 2009, 2014) Face of the franchise: Tamika Catchings (2002-2016) The New York Knicks are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, with an estimated value of $4 billion. Signing free agents such as McCoughtry in 2020 (although she is out this season with a knee injury) and Gray this year were big moves, as was obtaining Cambage via trade in 2019. Value: $4.7 billion. During that time, Taurasi joined the team, and she led the Mercury to their breakthrough championship in 2007. But there just wasn't a strong commitment from Heat ownership to the Sol. But at only an 83 overall, Thompson is severely underrated in NBA 2K22. Championships: None MVPs: Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005), Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998) What you need to know about the Chicago Sky. They've been part of the Phoenix Suns organization since their inception as one of the eight original franchises, first under owner Jerry Colangelo and then Robert Sarver. The WNBA approved the sale of the . Owners: Jerry Buss Family Trusts, Mark Walter, Todd Boehly, Owners: Wycliffe Grousbeck, Irving Grousbeck, Stephen Pagliuca, Robert Epstein, Owners: Bell Canada, Rogers Communications, Larry Tanenbaum, Owners: Holt family, Sixth Street Partners, Owners: Wes Edens, Marc Lasry, Jamie Dinan, Owners: Clayton Bennett, George Kaiser, Aubrey McClendon estate, Owners: Glen Taylor, Marc Lore, Alex Rodriguez. Value: $4.6 billion. Other notable stars: Elena Baranova, Debbie Black, Sandy Brondello, Betty Lennox, Ruth Riley. Basically, everything that could go wrong did go wrong for six mostly downbeat seasons. The deal helped spur other WNBA teams to land similar jersey deals while helping drive local revenue. As an organization, we embrace anyone whose mission is to grow basketball in our region, and with a WNBA team, we would look forward to expanding the reach of our great game together, the Blazers said in a statement. Franchise journey: An original WNBA franchise, the Sting were first owned by the Charlotte Hornets and made the playoffs six of their first seven seasons. Face of the franchise: Teresa Weatherspoon (1997-2003) Looming over this process, however, is the value of a WNBA franchise. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Oregon has a great track record of embracing and promoting womens sports in an authentic and meaningful way, and it is no surprise to us that there may be interest in bringing a WNBA team to the market.. As the WNBA looks to grow, Lacob and the Warriors are interested in bringing a team to San Francisco, whether thats an expansion team or even an existing one. Whatbeganas nickel-and-dime advertising has rapidly increased into lucrative marketing agreements. WNBA career stats leaders: Diana Taurasi in points (9,161), field goals made/attempted (2,887 of 6,703), 3-point field goals made/attempted (1,203 of 3,286) and free throws made/attempted (2,184 of 2,508) Low point: Going 17-51 over their last two seasons and then folding in January 2007 after 10 seasons in Charlotte. Considering they've already reached the Finals and had an MVP, the building blocks to long-term success are in place. Auriemma doesn't see his team cutting down any nets this season. Even though she has played just three full seasons, she led the Mystics to the 2018 and 2019 WNBA Finals, winning the championship in the second trip. It may come as a surprise to learn that the two highest profile owners in the sport don't make the cut. standings, wnba, wnba standings, women's basketball, records, table . Three people familiar with the leagues expansion process said they have been operating under the premise the WNBA is looking at an expansion fee worth $15-20 million, while another said the league has not yet given interested parties a definitive number. And its something that weve gotta do in the near future. 1 draft pick in 2009 and led Atlanta to the WNBA Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013. Value: $2.75 billion. The Comets were 98-24 in the regular season and 16-3 in the playoffs in the league's first four years. Toronto Raptors - $2.1 Billion. The initial plan was to have 12 teams with an average attendance of 5,000 fans per game. February 18, 2023. MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2015) The Blazers have leases with the city of Portland for both arenas. Replacing Catchings has been most difficult for Indiana. It was the first title for the franchise and longtime WNBA coach Mike Thibault. Face of the franchise: Dawn Staley (1999-2005) Forbes' valuations are slightly more conservative than the ones issued by sports-business outlet Sportico last month Sportico's report featured an average team value of nearly $2.4 billion, with the Knicks, Warriors, and Lakers all . The average NHL team is worth an estimated $930 million, compared to $3.5 billion in the NFL, $2.3 billion in the NBA and $2.2 billion in MLB. 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. The city already has used this kind of financing for sports arenas. The WNBA raised $75 million from investors. Low point: Failing to follow up their postseason breakthrough, going 13-19 in 2001. 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. They got four Hall of Fame players in Cooper, Swoopes, Thompson and Arcain, an experienced, successful coach from the college game in Van Chancellor, committed ownership (at least initially) from the Houston Rockets' Leslie Alexander and an energetic fan base. Sources also have connected South Carolina coach Dawn Staley, a Philadelphia native, to the group. - it's no wonder why Liz Cambage's earnings ar eup there. 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. Thats an increase from 2020, when the average team valuation crossed $2 billion for the first time, according to Forbes. It was the Sun's third trip to the Finals. 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. Face of the franchise: Diana Taurasi (2004-present) The Raptors are worth a reported $2.74 billion making them the country's most valued sports franchise. The Bay Area is the second-largest media market in the country in which the WNBA does not have a presence, after Philadelphia. 4 min read. And we know more about it than anybody else. Frankly, Im using more of the most recent data. Franchise journey: The Miracle were part of the Orlando Magic organization and had some real talent in their short stay in Florida. "I wish we . 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. The Warriors' revenue comes primarily from ticket sales ($153 million) and corporate partnerships ($100 million). Though 76ers owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer have bought a number of franchises outside of the Sixers, anything linking the 76ers ownership group to a WNBAexpansion franchise would be premature, a source said. That growth has been steady during the playoffs and finals too, though not as steep the WNBAaveraged 346,000 viewers per playoffs and finals game in 2017, 258,000 in 2019, and 367,000 last season. Just two years later, WNBA was formed to promote the women's sport and officially had its commencement in 1997. Philip Anschutz sold his 27% stake in the Lakers in July at a $5 billion valuation, with an implied controlling stake valuation of around $5.5 billion; Forbes valued the team at $4.6 billion in February. Other notable stars: Jewell Loyd, Alysha Clark, Camille Little, Swin Cash, Tanisha Wright, Betty Lennox. Three original franchises are still in the same place in 2021: the Los Angeles Sparks, the New York Liberty and the Phoenix Mercury, although the Liberty are now in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. As previously noted, the WNBA generates an average of $60 million in income every year. She has served in Russian basketball clubs like BC Chevakata Vologda and PBC Nadezhda Orenburg. It has just never been the right time. Face of the franchise: Angel McCoughtry (2009-2019) Low point: An 8-26 final season in San Antonio in 2017, when it was clear the Spurs ownership group had completely lost interest in the Stars. Three teams in the Minnesota Lynx, Houston Comets and Seattle Storm have won the most titles, combining for nearly half of the WNBA's 25 championships. Portland Trail Blazers: $1.91 billion, https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/gallery/nba-franchise-values-what-every-team-is-worth-in-2021/. She wanted to get back into the WNBA, but she had a different goal on her whiteboard: team ownership. Franchise journey: The Utah Starzz were an original WNBA franchise in 1997, but the Utah Jazz were not a very engaged owner and the team moved to San Antonio to become part of the Spurs organization in 2003. Today, a jersey deal is a one of . They officially were the "Silver Stars" from then through 2013, then just the "Stars" their last four seasons. The presentation will show that Nashville has the infrastructure to support a team. The average price of a ticket is just over $100. As popular as the Liberty have been with their fans, they never seemed to mean as much to James Dolan, even though he owned them from their inception. One sports investor said it helped change the leagues position dramatically. High point: The Mystics and Delle Donne overcoming her back injury and a tough Connecticut team to win the 2019 WNBA Finals.