The average salary this season for a WNBA player is $120,648. 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. Frankly, Im using more of the most recent data. 2023 RANKING; Billionaire Secrets The Business Of . But the Wings haven't done much yet, losing single-elimination games in their two playoff appearances. And twice, the organization has gotten back-to-back No. Championships: None This is a BETA experience. The Richest NBA Team Owners - Yahoo! They are well-positioned to bring a team to San Francisco if they decide to make a full-throttle pitch. 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. MVPs: Yolanda Griffith (1999) She told The Athletic that the value of the WNBA's 12 individual teams plus the league itself is worth over $1 billion. 2 spot during the 2019-20 season with 10,852 fans per home game. Forbes Releases 2020 NBA Franchise Valuations | Hoops Rumors Franchise journey: They were the "Shock" in name only after leaving Detroit for Tulsa. High point: Reaching the 2013 WNBA Finals -- for the third time in four years -- despite a .500 regular-season record. Franchise journey: Part of the league's second expansion in 1999, along with Orlando, the Lynx qualified for the playoffs just twice in their first 12 seasons. 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. Mark Cuban Is Wrong About Why WNBA Pay Is So Low Transactions occur in a black box, unlike most other professional leagues, in which teams are sold and their prices are eventually leaked or announced. Top 10 Richest WNBA Team Owners - rookieroad.com Well just continue to broaden the exposure for these players so that we can get this expansion done in the future., (Illustration: Wes McCabe / The Athletic; Photos: Jennifer Pottheiser / NBAE via Getty Images; Patrick Gorski / NurPhoto via Getty Images; Justin Sullivan / Getty Images). 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. He is known for being one of the founders of Microsoft and also owns the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. At its largest, the WNBA expanded to 16 teams, but has been at 12 since 2010. Value: $2.75 billion. WNBA raises $75 million in first-ever funding round, valuing - CNBC Face of the franchise: Elena Delle Donne (2017-present) Even if 76ers ownership were to get involved, they do not control dates at the building. After Seattle took Australian star Lauren Jackson No. However, through the efforts of the owners and their partners, the WNBA has become a successful business venture. She wanted to get back into the WNBA, but she had a different goal on her whiteboard: team ownership. And so, Im not using them at all. MVPs: None MVPs: Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005), Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998) Regular-season record: 87-99 In 2016, Verizon became the primary sponsor of the WNBA Finals. Thats an increase from 2020, when the average team valuation crossed $2 billion for the first time, according to Forbes. With the league celebrating its 25th season, we rank every franchise in each of its incarnations in different cities, all 23 of them. Ticket sales account for $50 million, or more than 83 percent of the WNBA's overall revenue. They then obtained center Fowles via trade during the 2015 season. Other notable stars: Tina Charles, Katie Douglas, Margo Dydek, Jonquel Jones, Asjha Jones, Kara Lawson, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Renee Montgomery, Nykesha Sales, Jasmine Thomas, Lindsay Whalen, Courtney Williams. Value: $4.6 billion. When the Shock started 0-10 in 2002, former Detroit Pistons star Bill Laimbeer came in as head coach, which began a massive turnaround. Plus, help in the form of two consecutive 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. 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. In the CAA Icon survey, residents favored Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. The value of their franchise is $125 million. That said, there's something to be said for perception, and also educated guesses. Most valuable NBA franchises heading into 2022-23 season Some players are listed under more than one franchise as they had a big impact on different teams. With the "face of the franchise" category, we list the years she was with that team, which is not necessarily how long she was (or still is) in the WNBA. The Sparks are owned by Hollywood entertainment industry couple Harry and Pamela Manheimer. The Nets played their home games at the Barclays Center until they moved into their new arena, called Atlantic Avenue Arena &; Factoring Office Building, in 2019. New Orleans Pelicans: $1.35 billion. Face of the franchise: Taj McWilliams-Franklin (1999-2002) Beard was a four-time WNBAAll-Star and won a championship in 2016 with the Los Angeles Sparks. 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. If the WNBA paid out the same revenue split as the NBA (50-50 . ^ Cited revenue was AUD$1.547B; exchange rate of 1 euro per AUD$1.61 for 2019 season used here. MVPs: Breanna Stewart (2018), Lauren Jackson (2003, 2007, 2010) Before Joe Lacob bought the Golden State Warriors, he was an investor in the American Basketball League, a competitor to the WNBA in the late 1990s. For example, if a game draws low ratings, then no money will be made on that game. Championships: None Hammon is still in San Antonio, as a Spurs assistant. Under this method, the value of any company is determined by evaluating its assets - in this case, the Knicks - along with its liabilities and equity. The next two seasons, Washington went 11-57. 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. Former Sen. Kelly Loeffler is out as owner of WNBA team, and the new Championships: None The NBA has revenues of $8.3B/year, while the WNBA only generates $60M (as we said . Theres no better time to invest in womens sports than now. Data provided by HighPostHoops.com 2028 2027 2026 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 Playoff appearances (record): Eight (30-19) The current record-holder for most points scored in a WNBA game - an astonishing 53 points! 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. Meanwhile the average overall WNBA ticket price is $47 on SeatGeek. Low point: Going 14-20 in 2012, their seventh consecutive season missing the playoffs with a losing record since the franchise launched in 2006. No controlling interests of NBA teams have changed hands sinceour lastranking,but several minority stakes were sold at prices that show thefranchisesare a hot commodity, especially those in big markets. We have a process that were following, and were excited to get to the next steps on this, Engelbert said. An unlucky injury for Tennessee star Catchings -- she tore her ACL, which prematurely ended her senior season -- was fortuitous for the Fever. 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. The WNBA was founded with only eight teams. 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. (Ray Chavez /The Mercury News via Getty Images), Could Scotiabank Arena be home to a future WNBA team? Behind LAFC comes Atlanta United ($845 million) and LA Galaxy ($835 million). The WNBA has said that it intends to keep ticket prices affordable. Low point: There hasn't been one, although the Aces were disappointed to be swept by Seattle in the 2020 Finals. Forbes Releases 2021 NBA Franchise Valuations | Hoops Rumors Here are the 10 richest owners in the NBA. Minnesota Timberwolves: $1.43 billion, 15. Other notable stars: Jewell Loyd, Alysha Clark, Camille Little, Swin Cash, Tanisha Wright, Betty Lennox. 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. Why WNBA stars play overseas, and how the WNBA is trying to deter them The "Air Jordan" became the face of the franchise when he joined them as a rookie in 1989 and remained with the team until 2003. which wnba team is worth the most - mattmatsuda.com 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. When compared to the NBA, the WNBA generates a far bigger portion of its revenue from ticket sales. Visit ESPN to view 2022 WNBA stat leaders. The Charlotte Sting, Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, and New York Liberty were in the Eastern Conference. However, nothing can be officially signed until Feb. 1, when the . It is an attempt to not only suss out which cities have a chance to become a future WNBA outpost, but also to understand how much a franchise is worth in a league where team values are hard to ascertain. For the first time, all 30 NBA teams have a perceived worth of $1.3 billion or more, per Forbes' annual report. The Birch family also has interests in MLB's Chicago Cubs and MLS' Chicago Fire. Franchise journey: The Miracle were part of the Orlando Magic organization and had some real talent in their short stay in Florida. Record last year: 12-10 (6th out of 12 teams) Team goal: Win the . Forbes ranks Rangers as most valuable NHL franchise; Five teams at $1B+ Ogunbowale and Mabry, former Notre Dame teammates, have clicked again in the WNBA. 1 pick in the NBA draft. High point: Finishing first (22-10) in the Eastern Conference in 2001, their best season. "The way we are right now, this team, as it is right . The fact that doesnt happen in the WNBA as quickly or freely makes it difficult to assess the market worth of a team; it can also confound potential buyers about how much they need to get into the league. Golden State Warriors: $4.7 billion. Face of the franchise: A'ja Wilson (2018-present) We'll never know, but Chicago has had a different kind of dynamic duo in guards -- and spouses -- Vandersloot and Quigley. MVPs: Tina Charles (2012) But Pistons/Shock owner Bill Davidson died in March 2009 and Laimbeer left for an NBA assistant's job shortly after. MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2019) 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. MVPs: Diana Taurasi (2009) Nashville Municipal Auditorium seats only 8,000, but it currently only hosts home events for the Nashville Roller Girls on a monthly basis so scheduling would be easier than at Bridgestone. Those new teams could begin to play as early as the 2024 season, she said. Previous transactions have valued WNBA teams in that range, showing only middling growth in franchise values over the last 20 years. List of professional sports leagues by revenue - Wikipedia Engelbert would not disclose the number of teams projected as profitable for the 2022 season. Ogwumike opened her appearance by calling Sykes a WNBA real one and gifting Sykes an Ogwumike jersey. You just look at the rookies who are doing so great this year. Welcome to the Farm! Los Angeles Lakers. The Finals have been played at the conclusion of the regular season and postseason bracket every year since the league's inception in 1997; the championship stage follows a 2-2-1 split format, giving the higher-seeded team a chance to host three games as opposed to just two. One person familiar with running a WNBA team and how its finances work said that breaking even is usually the goal for a franchise. Five franchises will pay their top earner less than $200,000 for the upcoming campaign. Then Fowles, after seven seasons with the Sky, sat out the start of the 2015 season until she was traded to Minnesota, where she has won two titles. Based on team websites' listed starting point prices, the average minimum in 2019 was also $17. Those four made up the core of the 2004 and 2005 teams that advanced to the WNBA Finals. The most recent sale of a franchise occurred when Alex Rodriguez and Marc Lore agreed to a $1.5 billion deal to buy . Ticket sales and sponsorships are large revenue drivers. Seattle is our top-ranked franchise in part because it consistently has taken best advantage of its good fortune, and also because it has created such a positive, winning culture. Here is what every team in the NBA is worth in 2021, according to Sportico: Nick Monroe/Handout Photo via USA TODAY Sports, Carmen Mandato/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports, Sign up for the The Rookie Wire newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning. The WNBA raised $75 million from investors. Which Is the Most Valuable Team in the WNBA? - Sportsmanist 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. (The Comets dedicated that season to her.). WNBA's 25th Season: It's Time to Start Paying Attention - Sports We have been actively exploring this for a long time, Lacob told the San Francisco Chronicle last year. That was a rough 4-30 season, but McCoughtry was the No. 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. High point: Defeating Minnesota on the Lynx's home court in Game 5 of the 2016 WNBA Finals for the Sparks' third title, and first in 14 years. Whatbeganas nickel-and-dime advertising has rapidly increased into lucrative marketing agreements. Best players: Diamond DeShields, Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot. Face of the franchise: Deanna Nolan (2001-2009) The report estimated the franchise's value at $2 billion, making it the most expensive team in the league. But the Liberty haven't been that far since 2002 and haven't had a winning record since 2017. WNBA team owned by the Mohegan Tribe Crossword Clue and Answer MVPs: None The Warriors' revenue comes primarily from ticket sales ($153 million) and corporate partnerships ($100 million). MVPs: None 10. Low point: Star center Leslie missing the 2007 season on pregnancy leave. 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. And this next year, revenue is expected to eclipse $9 billion. As well as earned All-WNBA First Team and Second Team honors. The Aces are on their second owner in Sin City as Las Vegas Raiders boss Mark Davis bought the team from MGM Resorts International earlier this year. having both surpassed the $4 billion mark for the first time this year. Does anyone know the valuations of WNBA teams? : r/nba - reddit Two years later, Michael Alter reportedly paid $10 million for an expansion team in Chicago. Florida grad Jones gets credit as the only player who was with the Rockers start to finish. Face of the franchise: Teresa Weatherspoon (1997-2003) That season, the Sparks had their fewest wins in franchise history, going 10-24. But going 3-31 in 2011 in Cambage's rookie season was pretty hellish. 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. Golden State Warriors. Face of the franchise: Courtney Vandersloot (2011-present) The New York Knicks are also the most valued franchise among the National Basketball Association's 30 franchises (NBA). The Tulsa Shock then moved before the 2016 season to Dallas to become the Wings. Championships: Four (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) High point: Finishing 16-16 in 2000 and making their only playoff appearance. Franchise journey: Many things went right for the Comets from the start. Its the Warriors, one person involved in the process said. From there it's a fair drop off to Seattle Sounders on $705 million and New York City on $655 million. Also clouding the leagues expansion plans are the financial positions of current teams. The Comets were so crucial a part of the early WNBA and left such an impression that it's still sometimes hard to believe they've been gone for more than a decade. 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. The Lynx have been in a talent re-stocking process the last few seasons, but still consistently make the playoffs. The Milwaukee Bucks are the next richest basketball team in the NBA. The highest-paid NBA players, by comparison, make in excess of $40 . All figures are in U.S. dollars based on the average U.S.-Canada exchange rates during the 2020-21 season. In 2019, New Media Sports & Entertainment got approached by a representative for the then-ownersof a WNBA team about acquiring that team and relocating it to Toronto. The franchise, led by its ownership group, considered buying a WNBA team twice in recent years, sources said. Playoff appearances (record): 13 (18-30) Learn more about troubleshooting WordPress. Every team . Copyright 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc. Even if your . A big name in men's basketball, he wasn't prepared to run a WNBA team. Stiles had a strong rookie season but had the first of many major surgeries when it ended and played just 21 more games in the WNBA, all in an injury-plagued 2002 season. They traded Smith, a future Hall of Famer, to Detroit in late July 2005. 1 picks and drafted superstars with all four picks: Jackson (2001), Bird (2002), Loyd (2015) and Stewart (2016). High point: Led by Diggins-Smith, making the playoffs in their second year in Dallas. High point: The Mystics and Delle Donne overcoming her back injury and a tough Connecticut team to win the 2019 WNBA Finals. Franchise journey: Should the Wings really be ranked behind the long-gone Sting and Rockers? They had been the Orlando Miracle, affiliated with the Orlando Magic, and were just getting established after four seasons. 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. Other notable stars: Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Candice Dupree, Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Cheyenne Parker, Epiphanny Prince, Allie Quigley, Tamera Young. Low point: The Liberty losing No. Toronto Maple Leafs most valuable NHL teams $2 billion - TSN.ca Regular-season record: 60-68 One thing the league did want was to make sure the Toronto team was more than majority Canadian owned, and we didnt get some overseas money or anything weird like that, Abrahams said. 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. They went the distance in 2017, too, but this time Minnesota won the decisive fifth game for its fourth title. Championships: Three (2003, 2006, 2008) Nike, of course, has serious ties to the league. The recent capital raise was heralded by Engelbert as a boon. Bill Laimbeer, with his third WNBA franchise after Detroit and New York, knows what it takes to win in this league. Of 4,400 residents interviewed, 41.6 percent said they were very interested or extremely interested in womens professional sports, and 34.2 percent said they were slightly interested or not at all interested in womens professional sports. In order to identify the most viable places for a WNBA expansion team, the league will consider a number of priorities and categories and will run each city through 25 data points within five categories: demographics, psychographics (market research or statistics classifying population groups according to psychological variables), sports benchmarks, viewership and fan data. Three have been with single-digit victory totals, and they're closing in on the fourth. Continue with Recommended Cookies. How to pick a favorite team for the 2021 WNBA season - FanSided (Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press via Associated Press). At this point, despite a lot of success as a franchise, the Dream face a lot of questions. We really want to set up new owners for success., Engelbert estimates an 18- to 24-month timeline from the identification of a new team to its inaugural season. MVPs: Maya Moore (2014), Sylvia Fowles (2017) There were even discussions about having some games played in Europe. They hosted the first WNBA game in 1997, and were part of the Jerry Buss-owned Los Angeles Lakers organization until 2006. The Rose City attempted to house a WNBAfranchise for three seasons from 2000-2002, but it failed. Monica Fawknotson, the executive director of Nashvilles Sports Authority Board, said that while groups have shown interest in ownership, the presentation will not include a definitive ownership group. WNBA career stats leaders: Tamika Catchings in win shares (93.66), defensive win shares (36.52), steals (1,074) and steals per game (2.35) but the NHL's Washington Capitals, two arena football teams, a WNBA team and Capital One Arena. 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.