Sports Franchise Values Are Skyrocketing. Will The WNBA Benefit Over The Next Decade?
According to Forbes Magazine, the average WNBA team valuation is $272 million. With that stated, WNBA franchise values are increasing dramatically. The New York Liberty franchise leads the way with a $400 million value. Its a significant increase year over year. The league’s total valuation is estimated at $3.2 billion. This surge is attributed to increased fan interest, media attention (including a new $2.2 billion TV deal), and the league’s expansion. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have the addition of Caitlin Clark to the WNBA roster.
In a breakdown of the top 5 teams, who holds the highest value?
The NY Liberty holds the first-place position with a $450M valuation. They are followed by the Clark led Indiana Fever with a $370M valuation. Next up is the Seattle Storm at $330M, followed by the Las Vegas Aces worth $310M and Phoenix Mercury $300M.
The WNBA League is experiencing significant growth. There has been a 48% year-over-year increase in attendance in 2023-25. Viewership is also on the rise, with over 54 million unique viewers for national telecasts in 2023-25.
Investors are actively investing in the league. Expansion teams are entering the league with high fees, and WNBA insiders expect new teams to lead the list of most valuable clubs. Plus, One venture capitalist even described WNBA franchises as the “next big sports investment”.
WNBA secured a new media rights deal valued at $2.2 billion over 11 years, with the potential for further partnerships to increase the total value. This substantial increase in media revenue will contribute significantly to team valuations and higher player pay.
A good example in Growing Marketability is WNBA player Caitlin Clark driving a surge in interest, boosting ticket and merchandise sales, and attracting new investments.
College Star Paige Bueckers is adding significant value to the WNBA. With her on-court talent, combined with her popularity with endorsement deals, that in itself is boosting league revenue, viewership, and overall interest in women’s basketball.
Current trends indicate strong potential and achieving a billion-dollar valuation within the next decade as a possibility.
By Viorica Bruni
Collective Media Content Creator
