The business of women’s basketball is booming. At the top of the list? The Golden State Valkyries, the newest expansion team in the WNBA, is valued at a staggering $500 million in their inaugural season.
According to a new Sportico valuation report, WNBA franchises have jumped 180% in value over the past year. This is the largest year-over-year growth in the league’s history and more than double any previous major U.S. sports league record.
Liberty, Fever, and Valkyries set the pace for WNBA teams
While the Valkyries’ eye-popping number leads the league, the New York Liberty aren’t far behind. The defending champs saw their valuation soar by 222% to $420 million, placing them second overall and reaffirming their status as one of the league’s cornerstone franchises.
But the biggest single-year leap belongs to the Indiana Fever, whose 273% growth pushed their value to $335 million, a direct result of the Caitlin Clark effect. Since her arrival in 2024, the Fever have smashed records in attendance, merchandise sales, and media coverage, drawing over 17,000 fans per game, more than several NBA and MLB teams.
Why this matters
In 2024, the average WNBA franchise was worth $96 million. Today? That number is $269 million, and the league’s total valuation sits at $3.5 billion. Teams like the Liberty, Fever, and Valkyries have demonstrated how market investment, player star power, and cultural relevance can completely reshape the trajectory of women’s sports.
According to Sportico, the Valkyries are projected to generate $70 million in revenue this year. That is more than double what any WNBA team made in 2024. As more teams share ownership with NBA franchises and media deals expand, the league is heading toward a massive commercial breakthrough.
What’s next for the WNBA?
With Toronto and Portland joining the league in 2026 and a new TV deal on the horizon, the WNBA is entering its most financially promising era yet. The numbers don’t just reflect growth—they reflect demand. Women’s basketball is no longer a niche. It’s the moment.