Over that span, the league has made changes to sustain the WNBA as both a sports league and a profession for womens basketball players. 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. By 2003, all but one team was breaking even or losing money. Memphis Grizzlies: $1.36 billion. And the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Sacramento Monarchs, and Utah Starzz were in the Western Conference. The Knicks have many assets, including World Class Talent, a passionate fan base, and their home arena, Madison Square Garden. having both surpassed the $4 billion mark for the first time this year. The Yankees and Knicks have the same owner: James Dolan. And its something that weve gotta do in the near future. Florida grad Jones gets credit as the only player who was with the Rockers start to finish. WNBA career stats leaders: Cynthia Cooper in scoring average (20.98), minutes per game average (35.19) and player efficiency rating (28.72) Championships: None The Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks produced the most income in the NBA, with 474 million US dollars and 421 million US dollars, respectively. Championships: One (2005) An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. While the 76ers play in the Wells Fargo Center, they do not own it and have a lease that runs through 2031. Regular-season record: 241-149 The Stars then won Game 3 and made their only WNBA Finals appearance. Championships: None 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. As well as earned All-WNBA First Team and Second Team honors. Regular-season record: 71-113 Regular-season record: 60-68 The Sparks are owned by Hollywood entertainment industry couple Harry and Pamela Manheimer. Playoff appearances (record): Two (5-8) So, if you do the scales, its pretty tough to even fathom that. Franchise journey: The Fever debuted in the third wave of expansion in 2000 along with Seattle, as well as Miami and Portland, both of which were soon defunct. That means selling tickets and making it successful. After she retired following the 2014 season, the Stars went 23-79 in their last three seasons in Texas before moving to Las Vegas to become the Aces. The 2023 WNBA free agency period opened on Jan. 21, which means teams are now allowed to meet with players and offer contracts. 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. The most recent sale of a franchise occurred when Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore agreed to a $1.5 billion deal to buy . This makes them the most valuable franchise in all of sports. Playoff appearances (record): Eight (17-21) The New York Knicks are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, with an estimated value of $4 billion. 3,$5.5 billion). The W.N.B.A. Engelberts primary responsibility through the first three years of her tenure has been to transform the WNBAs economics. He loves watching all types of sporting events and has made it his personal mission to attend every game he can. 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. The WNBA launched with eight NBA-affiliated teams in June 1997. 1 draft pick in 2009 and led Atlanta to the WNBA Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013. The fact that we were capable of raising $75 million at the league level validates sort of the trajectory of the WNBA, she said. Engelbert wouldnt confirm the expansion value, but she told The Athletic that fee sounds low, based on recent transactions and revenue multiples average revenue of a WNBA franchise if you take it on a multiple it would be higher than what you described. A second league source seconded Engelberts point. Which is the most valuable team in the WNBA? 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. Golden State Warriors. "My wish is that ESPN would drive the push for the WNBA instead of waiting," says Lobo. Every team . Under the current CBA, teams can only fly commercially and players have increasingly voiced frustrations about delays and other travel issues. Browns representative declined further comment. It has just never been the right time. 2 pick and took Kelly Miller. 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. The Sparks were originally based in San Francisco but moved to Los Angeles in 2005. But they fell to Charlotte in the East semifinals. The 2022 WNBA Draft is just one day away, but the drama has already started with a blockbuster trade that saw the Washington Mystics send the No . If you look at the NFL, were getting $10.1 billion a year for television and the WNBA is getting $30 million a year. 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. Other notable stars: Jewell Loyd, Alysha Clark, Camille Little, Swin Cash, Tanisha Wright, Betty Lennox. We have some sort of a fan perspective, sponsorship perspective, social movement perspective, everyones locked in on sort of the value of womens sports.. The Knicks receive most of their revenue from selling tickets ($97 million) and some amount from basketball licensing ($25 million). But going 3-31 in 2011 in Cambage's rookie season was pretty hellish. Joe Tsai. Replacing Catchings has been most difficult for Indiana. Franchise journey: They were the "Shock" in name only after leaving Detroit for Tulsa. Several sources said few WNBA teams are currently profitable. Championships: None But Pistons/Shock owner Bill Davidson died in March 2009 and Laimbeer left for an NBA assistant's job shortly after. 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. (The Comets dedicated that season to her.). How much is the Houston Astros franchise worth? High point: Making the WNBA Finals in 2020 in the team's third season in Las Vegas. Other notable stars: Iziane Castro Marques, Erika de Souza, Armintie Harrington, Tiffany Hayes, Sancho Lyttle, Courtney Williams, Elizabeth Williams. So I think our newest data is our capital raise and the huge, huge commitment we got from that investor group.. Excitingly for the league, the average cost of WNBA tickets has an opportunity to rise even further today. 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 . Get the list of all the WNBA Teams along with the wins and losses stats and more on Basketball-Reference.com The Fever haven't made the playoffs since she retired after the 2016 season. But they also endured tragedy during that run, when guard Perrot died of cancer during the 1999 season. The WNBAs capital raise, she said, is further indication that now is the time to get involved with the league. Other notable stars: Swin Cash, Taj McWillliams-Franklin, Plenette Pierson, Ruth Riley, Katie Smith, Kedra Holland-Corn. Regular-season record: 238-287 This makes them the most valuable franchise in all of sports. Former Vanderbilt standout Sam led the Sol in scoring all three of their seasons. Its amazing to be in the conversation, Beard said. The average NBA team is worth $1.9 billion, up 13% over last year and three times the level of five years ago. We'll never know, but Chicago has had a different kind of dynamic duo in guards -- and spouses -- Vandersloot and Quigley. League all-time leaders: Sue Bird in assists (3,031) and games (545) Other notable stars: Alana Beard, Tamecka Dixon, Chelsea Gray, Mwadi Mabika, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Kristi Toliver. The NBA has gained undeniable traction over the last decade, at least from a financial standpoint. The WNBA was founded with only eight teams. What's the best franchise in WNBA history? Previous transactions have valued WNBA teams in that range, showing only middling growth in franchise values over the last 20 years. Cooper's career ended after Houston's fourth consecutive title in 2000 (she returned at age 40 to play four more games in 2003), and that was when other teams in the league caught up. Low point: Going 12-22 in 2014 and missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. Face of the franchise: Sheryl Swoopes (1997-2007) Championships: None Browns interest has support from the city and from the NBA team. The Atlanta Dream is changing ownership hands, putting an end to more than a year's worth of controversy under its former co-owner, ex-Senator Kelly Loeffler. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. Forbes calculated the Knicks' value by applying an industry standard valuation method called "net asset value" or "NAV." The three highest earners in the WNBA, including Diana Taurasi of the Phoenix Mercury, each received an average of 228.09 thousand U.S. dollars for their . She wanted to get back into the WNBA, but she had a different goal on her whiteboard: team ownership. Other notable stars: Janeth Arcain, Kim Perrot, Michelle Snow, Tina Thompson. Many WNBA stars work in other countries during the WNBA's off-season because doing so is more lucrative than playing in the U.S. Griner is reportedly earning more than $1 million to play for her . AASEG has spent the past year developing a proposal for the league. If the WNBA paid out the same revenue split as the NBA (50-50 . Theres nobody that wants this more than I do. 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. 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. The Dallas Wings are continuing to build their roster ahead of the 2023 WNBA season with the team's newest addition of Kitija "Kit" Laksa. 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. 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. The WNBAhas seen significant growth in viewership over the last five years. 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. Following the funding, the valuation of the WNBA and its teams . 1 pick. Furthermore, she has played for many prominent teams. Other notable stars: Rushia Brown, Suzie McConnell Serio, Chasity Melvin, Eva Nemcova, Penny Taylor, Ann Wauters. It was named one of the WNBAs inaugural Gamechangers (an investor program launched by Engelbertin 2020), was an investor in the recent capital raise and owns equity in the league. During that time, Taurasi joined the team, and she led the Mercury to their breakthrough championship in 2007. The lowest of . . MVPs: None MVPs: None Finally, people are understanding the value of the WNBAand what we offer.. A potential ownership group from Kansas City attempted to buy the Sting, but couldn't raise enough funds and the franchise disbanded. Its the Warriors, one person involved in the process said. It has been nearly 15 years since the WNBA last expanded, adding the Atlanta Dream as its then-14th team before the 2008 season. 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. Franchise journey: The Aces are this low only because they're in just their fourth season in Las Vegas. Her fandom is not just performative. Hammon is still in San Antonio, as a Spurs assistant. UConn has appeared in the last 14 Final Four's, but that streak could be in jeopardy. 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. How much the team is worth: $1.575 billion. They traded Smith, a future Hall of Famer, to Detroit in late July 2005. 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. High point: Making the playoffs in their final season in Tulsa, 2015, before getting swept by Phoenix. Regular-season record: 340-444 And for the upcoming 2021 season, ESPN has split the difference, dropping to 25 games. Face of the franchise: Elena Delle Donne (2017-present) However, MLSE wouldnt confirm directly whether its directly involved with the bid put forth by New Media Sports & Entertainment. 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. Nashville and the state of Tennessee just has such a strong history and support of womens basketball.. Portland Trail Blazers: $1.91 billion, https://therookiewire.usatoday.com/gallery/nba-franchise-values-what-every-team-is-worth-in-2021/. Delle Donne, wanting to be closer to her Delaware home, pushed for a trade to Washington after the 2016 season and has won a title with the Mystics. Meanwhile the average overall WNBA ticket price is $47 on SeatGeek. The Sun haven't broken through for a title yet, but they're a strong contender to challenge for a championship again this year under coach Curt Miller, despite Alyssa Thomas missing the season with an Achilles injury. Sabally at 22 has a bright future, and Gray at 26 has been one of the Wings' most dependable players the past five seasons. Auriemma doesn't see his team cutting down any nets this season. Playoff appearances (record): One (1-2) Beard was a four-time WNBAAll-Star and won a championship in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks. 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. We know that its time because theres such great talent coming out of the NCAA ranks into our league. Austin Crumble. 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. The Star made the playoffs in seven of Hammon's eight years with San Antonio. Those four made up the core of the 2004 and 2005 teams that advanced to the WNBA Finals. Listing the top salaries, cap hits, cash, earnings, contracts, and bonuses, for all active WNBA players. 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. 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. The Sun missed the playoffs for the next four seasons. Other notable stars: Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Candice Dupree, Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Cheyenne Parker, Epiphanny Prince, Allie Quigley, Tamera Young. 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.. Among those who passed through in Tulsa were fallen track star Marion Jones (13 years after she had played collegiate basketball at North Carolina) and Swoopes, who played her final season at age 40 for the Shock in 2011. 2,$5.6 billion) and the Los Angeles Lakers (No. The league called it "the largest-ever capital raise for a women's sports property." . The No. The Milwaukee Bucks are the next richest basketball team in the NBA. He came back to New York for one final season in 2009 before announcing his retirement. Another, the Utah Starzz, are now the Las Vegas Aces, with a 15-year stop in between in San Antonio. 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. They've also had one of the most involved fan bases in the X Factor, which fell in love with the likes of Jennifer Gillom, Bridget Pettis and Australia's Michele Timms in the early years. The organization did not respond to a request for comment from Forbes. The WNBA is presently anticipated to earn $60 million in income, with $12.3 million of that money given to its players. 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. 1 draft picks in 2017 (Plum), 2018 (Wilson) and 2019 (Young). One sports investor said it helped change the leagues position dramatically. New Orleans Pelicans: $1.35 billion. WNBA career stats leaders: Sylvia Fowles in rebounds (3,640), rebounding average (9.81) and field goal percentage (59.6) People are right now investing in the potential of what it could be. Its amazing to see it all happening. Abrahams has been told that the rate will be somewhere between $15-20 million, and he says his team has that capital in hand as well as the capital required for annual operating costs. In 2018, the NBA's 30 teams generated $7.4 billion in revenue which was up 25% from 2017. When the WNBA was first established in 1996, it had only two other major sponsors besides Nike: Coca-Cola and McDonald's. 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. But, fast forward to 2020, and every team in the league was profitable, with average operating income surging to $62 million. Whether Chicago can get there this year or next will take a whole lot going right, but the hope remains. That brought young post players Charli Collier, 21, and Awak Kuier, 20, who could blossom. WNBA salary: $170,000. In the CAA Icon survey, residents favored Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Franchise journey: The Dream are the last expansion franchise to join the WNBA, in 2008. This amounts to a profit margin of 17%. 1 in 2001, Charlotte bypassed Catchings with the No. Our figures include revenue that team owners get from non-NBA events at their arena. 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.