Playoff appearances (record): Two (5-8) They had been the Orlando Miracle, affiliated with the Orlando Magic, and were just getting established after four seasons. 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. They have everything that they need to make sure that this happens.. Low point: Going 12-22 in 2014 and missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. Playoff appearances (record): Eight (17-21) What might the Sky have become with more seasons of these two playing together? NBA owners booked an estimated$1.46 billionin sponsorships last seasona recordwith much of the increase in this category coming from jersey patch deals. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Athletic she hopes to identify one or two cities for an expansion franchise by the start of the WNBA playoffs in September or by years end at the latest. Nine players were named to all four of the WNBA's honorary teams named during milestones in the league's history - the All-Decade Team in 2006; Top 15 Players in 2011; Top 20@20 in 2016, and . Golden State Warriors: $4.7 billion. The Athletic spoke to more than 20 people in and around the WNBA with knowledge of league expansion and its financial picture to learn more about the leagues plans. Austin Crumble. Regular-season record: 422-390 But Pistons/Shock owner Bill Davidson died in March 2009 and Laimbeer left for an NBA assistant's job shortly after. The Warriors' revenue comes primarily from ticket sales ($153 million) and corporate partnerships ($100 million). Playoff appearances (record): Four (6-9) She has broken the WNBA mark for assists . They went the distance in 2017, too, but this time Minnesota won the decisive fifth game for its fourth title. This would be the first time the league has added an expansion team since the Atlanta Dream were founded in 2008. Other notable stars: DeWanna Bonner, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Candice Dupree, Brittney Griner, Cappie Pondexter, Tangela Smith, Penny Taylor. Playoff appearances (record): Eight (30-19) Championships: None In mid-January 2022, CAA Icon presented the Sports Authority Board with a report that found solid interest in the initiative. Face of the franchise: Tamika Catchings (2002-2016) 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. 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. Those new teams could begin to play as early as the 2024 season, she said. Regular-season record: 351-273 The deal helped spur other WNBA teams to land similar jersey deals while helping drive local revenue. Playoff appearances (record): Nine (24-19) Franchise journey: They were the "Shock" in name only after leaving Detroit for Tulsa. (Click here for our full list of values and additional information on every team.). Though Oakland is the 45th-biggest American city by population, its larger than two current WNBAmarkets (Minneapolis and Uncasville, Conn.), and the Bay Area comprising San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose is the nations sixth-largest media market. MVPs: Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005), Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998) 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. The Business Of Basketball. Which is the most valuable team in the NBA? High point: Despite going 15-19 in the 2014 regular season, the Sky got hot at the right time, beating Atlanta and Indiana to reach the WNBA Finals. Regular-season record: 59-145 The Storm are owned by Paul Allen and his company, Index Investment Company. 1 pick in 2022. The New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces and Atlanta Dream have all been sold in recent years, but the sales prices for all three franchises are in that range. The WNBA raised $75 million from investors. Championships: None MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2019) PHOENIX - The three-time WNBA Champion Phoenix Mercury today re-signed the face of the franchise and the Greatest of All-Time, Diana Taurasi, to a multi-year contract, the team announced. Firstintroduced during the 2017-18 season and hovering about $150 million in total for the past couple of years,the agreementsare expected tobring inwellover $225 million across the leagues 30 teamsin 2021-22. Low point: Going 17-51 over their last two seasons and then folding in January 2007 after 10 seasons in Charlotte. MVPs: None MVPs: Breanna Stewart (2018), Lauren Jackson (2003, 2007, 2010) Playoff appearances (record): One (1-2) At its largest, the WNBA expanded to 16 teams, but has been at 12 since 2010. And the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Sacramento Monarchs, and Utah Starzz were in the Western Conference. From there it's a fair drop off to Seattle Sounders on $705 million and New York City on $655 million. Low point: The franchise folded during the height of the global financial crisis, after the 2008 season. The average NBA team is now worth $2.86 billion, 15% more than a year ago, an impressive feat considering the stock market is down more than 15% over the same span. When the WNBA was first established in 1996, it had only two other major sponsors besides Nike: Coca-Cola and McDonald's. 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: Sheri Sam (2000-02) Still, Philadelphia holds lots of appeal. Former Senator Kelly Loeffler is out as an owner of the WNBA's Atlanta Dream. Today, all but two teams are making a profit. Diggins-Smith's net worth is estimated to be 324,162, with a salary of 184,691 plus endorsement deals with Roc Nation Sports, Nike, Body Armor and Puma. That means selling tickets and making it successful. She has served in Russian basketball clubs like BC Chevakata Vologda and PBC Nadezhda Orenburg. Face of the franchise: Sue Bird (2002-present) For example, last month the Brooklyn Nets landed a jersey patch dealreportedlyworth an NBA-record $30 million a year, one reason the value of the Nets rose 21% this yearmore than any other teamto $3.2 billion. 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. 2,$5.6 billion) and the Los Angeles Lakers (No. After losing in the first round of the playoffs four out of five years between 1994 and 1999, the Knicks started to become popular again. In 2013, Nashville unveiled plans for a minor league baseball stadium, First Horizon Park, which included tax-increment financing as a part of the investment. 4. By 2005, Brunson, Lawson, Powell and Walker joined the team and Sacramento won the title. After Seattle took Australian star Lauren Jackson No. WNBA started with just eight teams which were fully owned by the NBA. 8. Face of the franchise: Courtney Vandersloot (2011-present) 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. Others who had been with the 2009 Shock but did go to Tulsa -- such as Plenette Pierson, Shavonte Zellous and Kara Braxton -- were traded during that first season by coach/general manager Nolan Richardson. Other notable stars: Jewell Loyd, Alysha Clark, Camille Little, Swin Cash, Tanisha Wright, Betty Lennox. 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. The brothers also own NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, and before that, had an interest in the Indianapolis Pacers of the NBA. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. It sets its own prices and doesn't have a national television contract so it can increase or decrease its exposure by choosing which games to play and when. Transactions occur in a black box, unlike most other professional leagues, in which teams are sold and their prices are eventually leaked or announced. That said, there's something to be said for perception, and also educated guesses. High point: Finishing first (22-10) in the Eastern Conference in 2001, their best season. Taurasi will continue with the Mercury, the only WNBA franchise for which she has played, in Season 19 in 2023. 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. The NBA has revenues of $8.3B/year, while the WNBA only generates $60M (as we said . Thibault is now in his ninth season with Washington, which also traded for Delle Donne before the 2017 season. Welcome to the Farm! According to Forbes, the NBA's total revenue in 2010-11 was $3.96 billion. Manage Settings Maybe the magic of the franchise's early years can be recaptured, along with its first championship. The Sparks were originally based in San Francisco but moved to Los Angeles in 2005. Playoff appearances (record): 13 (35-33) Laksa plays in the forward position and was originally . The coronavirus pandemic may have caused NBA owners to take a hit on gate revenues throughout 2020 and into the new season, but NBA franchise values continue to climb nonetheless. High point: Making their only WNBA Finals appearance in 2001, under coach Anne Donovan. Continue with Recommended Cookies. Other, smaller pieces of teams where the buyers obtained no path toward control also changed hands at prices above our last edition of NBA valuations. Frankly, Im using more of the most recent data. Championships: None The Wings had the top two picks in this year's admittedly weak draft. Mike Alter - $1.2 Billion. During that time, Taurasi joined the team, and she led the Mercury to their breakthrough championship in 2007. Engelberts valuations, and the math to get there, give the WNBAs first public declaration of how much its teams are worth, or perceived to be worth, over the last few years. The highest-paid NBA players, by comparison, make in excess of $40 . Regular-season record: 210-186 Playoff appearances (record): Two (0-2) The league knows everything about what this is going to look like (regarding) Toronto.. 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 WNBA was founded with only eight teams. While the Fire lasted just three seasons, the surge in women's basketball's popularity in the state thanks to the success of the Oregon and Oregon State women's programs in recent years makes Portland a place many think the WNBA should reconsider someday. Low point: The franchise folding after going 15-17 in 2002. Portland has shown consistently that were at the top of the list in supporting womens franchises and events, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said. Those four made up the core of the 2004 and 2005 teams that advanced to the WNBA Finals. Several sources said few WNBA teams are currently profitable. The organization did not respond to a request for comment from Forbes. 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. Tsai, who is worth $8.7 billion according to Forbes, bought the team and moved it to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. The most recent sale of a franchise occurred when Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore agreed to a $1.5 billion deal to buy . Expansion could allow the league to increase its schedule the WNBA is already playing a record 36 games this season and to offer broadcast partners a larger content package, or give it more inventory to split among interested buyers. 2002 Fleer Authentix WNBA Sue Bird RC #101 /2002. Only tangentially related, but Atltico Bucaramanga is with around $10 million. There was definite fan interest and a good relationship between the Spurs and Stars. 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. 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. Regular-season record: 143-179 You may opt-out by, Traffic cop at the intersection of money and sports. Face of the franchise: Arike Ogunbowale (2019-present) Behind LAFC comes Atlanta United ($845 million) and LA Galaxy ($835 million). Franchise journey: Of the eight original WNBA franchises, Los Angeles and Phoenix are the two most successful remaining teams, with the Sparks having the most playoff appearances in WNBA history. WNBA career stats leaders: Cynthia Cooper in scoring average (20.98), minutes per game average (35.19) and player efficiency rating (28.72) By the Forbes' 2020 list estimates, five NHL teams are worth at least $1 billion: the Rangers ($1.65B), Maple . If a team has any excess space on its roster, it can sign players to minimum contracts or trade them away. So much has changed during COVID with this league. Face of the franchise: Taj McWilliams-Franklin (1999-2002) Local access to one or all of those companies could allow for a more fluid partnership between the businesses and players, potentially leading to endorsement deals that could help increase player pay outside of raising salaries through the collective bargaining agreement. The Tulsa Shock then moved before the 2016 season to Dallas to become the Wings. Other notable stars: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Ivory Latta, Tiffany Jackson-Jones, Glory Johnson, Sheryl Swoopes, Odyssey Sims, Riquna Williams. Johnson signed with the Stars as a free agent in 2006, and former New York teammate Hammon came to San Antonio via trade in 2007. The Knicks have many assets, including World Class Talent, a passionate fan base, and their home arena, Madison Square Garden. Championships: None Such feats have undoubtedly increased her value and as such, she is now one of the highest-paid in the WNBA. That brought players such as Sales, Douglas and McWilliams-Franklin from Orlando, plus the Sun drafted Whalen in 2004. If you look at the NFL, were getting $10.1 billion a year for television and the WNBA is getting $30 million a year. I strongly suspect they are worth more than any WNBA team. WNBA career stats leaders: Elena Delle Donne in free throw percentage (93.9) and offensive rating (124.85) Championships: None 1. The Bay Area is the second-largest media market in the country in which the WNBA does not have a presence, after Philadelphia. Championships: Four (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) Along with its three titles, Los Angeles has two other trips to the WNBA Finals, falling to Detroit in 2003 and Minnesota in 2017, and has played in every postseason since 2011. So that's one year, unprotected, at the . In the CAA Icon survey, residents favored Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The arena is owned by the city, which would allow for necessary upgrades through tax increment financing. Revealing those values is taboo across the league. The Boston Celtics are second on the list with an estimated value of $1.6 billion. 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.. Official site's Transactions page agrees that Johannes signed a Training Camp Contract (that's what a reserved qualifying offer becomes when it's signed). 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. Over that span, the league has made changes to sustain the WNBA as both a sports league and a profession for womens basketball players. Franchise journey: The Sky launched in 2006 and for two seasons had two superstars who were both No. We have all the money here in market in Toronto accessible.. Originally part of the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics organization, the Storm franchise was bought by a Seattle-based, all-women ownership group, Force 10 Hoops, in 2008 to keep the WNBA team in place when the NBA team moved to Oklahoma. 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. 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. Sources say Sykes, who lives in Pennsylvania part-time, is a part of a group with interest in bringing an expansion team to Philadelphia. While the WNBA only pays out 20% of its revenue, it doesn't actually turn a profit. High point: Going 6-0 in the 2000 playoffs, sweeping Sacramento, Los Angeles and New York to win their fourth consecutive title. Fortunately, there was soon a move to Las Vegas. 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. This is the perfect time, she said. Face of the franchise: Jackie Stiles (2001-02) Playoff appearances (record): 12 (30-28) People are right now investing in the potential of what it could be. The Stars' struggles in their final years in San Antonio helped lead to consecutive WNBA No. High point: Going 20-12 and making their lone playoff appearance in 2001, falling to New York. However, she added: Once the WNBAtakes a more definitive approach (to expansion), were confident that there will be an ownership group that comes forward.. The base salary for WNBA rookies varies on when (or if) players were selected in the WNBA Draft. ^ Cited revenue was AUD$1.547B; exchange rate of 1 euro per AUD$1.61 for 2019 season used here. MVPs: Tamika Catchings (2011) They are well-positioned to bring a team to San Francisco if they decide to make a full-throttle pitch. Its amazing to see it all happening. 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. Value: $4.6 billion. They pay for the potential and so the WNBAis becoming a major part of the conversation as we speak.. The NBA has gained undeniable traction over the last decade, at least from a financial standpoint. Its the Warriors, one person involved in the process said. Which is the most valuable team in the WNBA? But the Liberty haven't been that far since 2002 and haven't had a winning record since 2017. 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. High point: Led by Diggins-Smith, making the playoffs in their second year in Dallas. . The fact that we were capable of raising $75 million at the league level validates sort of the trajectory of the WNBA, she said. But it hasn't always been a 12 team league. LeBron James' Los Angeles Lakers are now valued at $5.5 billion, joining the New York Knicks . Bird said she "felt like crap" that season, but committed to getting in the best shape of her life and staying in Seattle. WNBA career stats leaders: Margo Dydek in blocks (877) and block percentage (8.99); Jennifer Azzi in 3-point field goal percentage (45.8) She told The Athletic that the value of the WNBAs 12 individual teams plus the league itself is worth over $1 billion. 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. She's now the franchise's general manager, and with six wins last year and five so far this season, could have the No. 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. Florida grad Jones gets credit as the only player who was with the Rockers start to finish. 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. Very successful.. Engelberts primary responsibility through the first three years of her tenure has been to transform the WNBAs economics. But when she has been on the court, it has made all the difference for the Mystics. 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. This makes them the most valuable franchise in all of sports. The Miracle's potential wasn't fully realized in four years in Orlando, but it blossomed when the Sun -- led by players like McWilliams-Franklin, Sales and Douglas -- made back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2004 and 2005. Data provided by HighPostHoops.com 2028 2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 The 2023 WNBA free agency period opened on Jan. 21, which means teams are now allowed to meet with players and offer contracts. High point: Finishing 16-16 in 2000 and making their only playoff appearance. 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. Considering they've already reached the Finals and had an MVP, the building blocks to long-term success are in place. When the Shock started 0-10 in 2002, former Detroit Pistons star Bill Laimbeer came in as head coach, which began a massive turnaround. The Rose City attempted to house a WNBAfranchise for three seasons from 2000-2002, but it failed. Face of the franchise: Alyssa Thomas (2014-present) Low point: An 8-26 record in 2003 under the Mercury's third coach in three years. Her fandom is not just performative. While the average highest listed price is $233. Low point: The Fever are in it now -- their fifth consecutive losing season. Explained How The NBA Owns WNBA Teams And Who Are The New Team Owners. Jerry Reinsdorf, Chicago Bulls: $1.5 Billion . The New York Knicks are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, with an estimated value of $4 billion. Former Vanderbilt standout Sam led the Sol in scoring all three of their seasons. MVPs: Maya Moore (2014), Sylvia Fowles (2017) After the WNBA allowed teams to sell jersey advertising, the Phoenix Mercury in 2009 became the first franchise to land a deal with LifeLock that put the company logo across the front of the team's jerseys. The WNBA has produced an average net loss of $10M per year. Add in Young-Malcolm as the No. 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.