2 spot during the 2019-20 season with 10,852 fans per home game. The Blazers have leases with the city of Portland for both arenas. Engelbert, however, said she does not believe those precedents are in play for franchise valuations going forward. One person familiar with running a WNBA team and how its finances work said that breaking even is usually the goal for a franchise. Whether Chicago can get there this year or next will take a whole lot going right, but the hope remains. 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. MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2015) Regular-season record: 143-179 Face of the franchise: Dawn Staley (1999-2005) She tried for years to make a comeback but was beset with injuries and ended up playing just 53 games total. Mike Alter - $1.2 Billion. It is the fourth-largest media market in the country and the biggest one in which the WNBAdoes not already have a team. 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. 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. And its something that weve gotta do in the near future. Low point: Losing the 2012 Eastern finals to Indiana, after which coach Mike Thibault was fired and went to Washington. The Charlotte Sting, Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, and New York Liberty were in the Eastern Conference. WNBA career stats leaders: Sylvia Fowles in rebounds (3,640), rebounding average (9.81) and field goal percentage (59.6) The NBA's Most Valuable Teams 2021-22: New York Knicks Lead A Trio Now Worth Over $5 Billion Each. Playoff appearances (record): Two (2-5) But forward/center Parker would be the No. We have scanned multiple crosswords today in search of the possible answer to the clue, however it's always worth noting that separate puzzles may put different answers to the same clue, so double-check the specific crossword mentioned below and the length of the answer before . Regular-season record: 210-186 Houston would win just four more playoff games from 2001-2008 before folding after two seasons under owner Hilton Koch, who had bought the team from Alexander. He also finished first or second in the MVP voting on eight other occasions. 1 draft picks was on the way. 1-4 in the 2022 WNBA Draft, the base salary is expected to be $72,141 in year one. Bridgestone Arena which is owned by Nashvilles Sports Authority Board and has successfully hosted the womens Final Four as well as SEC tournaments would be an obvious choice. 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. 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. This is below the cost of most NBA games today. She died at age 37 in 2011 after suffering a cardiac arrest while pregnant with her third child. AASEG has spent the past year developing a proposal for the league. Browns representative declined further comment. Regular-season record: 241-149 Meanwhile, Shock assistant Cheryl Reeve left to take over at Minnesota, starting a dynasty there. League sources said the Liberty were sold with little new money changing hands and new owner Joe Tsai financing the transaction mostly by taking on debt, as well as stipulating fresh capital for MSG Sports if the Liberty hit certain revenue thresholds. Championships: None 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. She wanted to get back into the WNBA, but she had a different goal on her whiteboard: team ownership. He's been known to watch games in the rain, snow, sleet, hail or shine! What's the best franchise in WNBA history? Abrahams declined to specify which franchise, but the Dream were the only franchise available to buy in that window. Playoff appearances (record): 20 (47-43) If a team has a new arena, media deal or sponsorship agreement set to open or kick in after the 2020-21 season, we estimate its impact on the enterprise value. USATI. 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.. 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. And the Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Sacramento Monarchs, and Utah Starzz were in the Western Conference. Revealing those values is taboo across the league. While the 76ers play in the Wells Fargo Center, they do not own it and have a lease that runs through 2031. For example, a citys population, political affiliation and policies, and generational demographics will be factors, Engelbert said, as the league knows it already skews to young and female fans. The Chicago Sky are owned by Joe and Michael Birch. After losing in the 1998 WNBA Finals, the Mercury missed the playoffs seven of the next eight years. Championships: None Meanwhile the average overall WNBA ticket price is $47 on SeatGeek. In the next few months, the most talked about issue in the WNBA should finally have some clarity. This is the perfect time, she said. The average NBA team is worth $1.9 billion, up 13% over last year and three times the level of five years ago. One sports investor said it helped change the leagues position dramatically. Other notable stars: Ariel Atkins, Alana Beard, Tina Charles, Natasha Cloud, Chamique Holdsclaw, Ivory Latta, Crystal Langhorne, Emma Meesseman, Murriel Page. They already have done their due diligence on such a project. The Comets were 98-24 in the regular season and 16-3 in the playoffs in the league's first four years. 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. MVPs: Tamika Catchings (2011) Trinity Valley Community College Is the Hoops Dynasty You . That history is ancient history, she said. Value: $4.7 billion. Alibaba is responsible for around 70% of mail packages in China. Regular-season record: 37-59 Tulsa finally had a winning record at 18-16 and made its lone playoff appearance in 2015. Delle Donne day-to-day, sits out Mystics' win Sat. 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. Face of the franchise: Yolanda Griffith The No. The next media rights contract will be vital for the league, not only in bringing in more money to each team but also in lifting up franchise values. We have been actively exploring this for a long time, Lacob told the San Francisco Chronicle last year. MVPs: None (The Comets dedicated that season to her.). Its the Warriors, one person involved in the process said. Other notable stars: Liz Cambage, Chelsea Gray, Dearica Hamby, Kayla McBride, Angel McCoughtry, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young. As interested investors wait for the WNBAto update them on where the process stands, it has become clear the league is asking two main questions when it considers new owners and cities: Where will the money come from and where will the new team play? 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. 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 . Revenue and operating income (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization) are for the 2020-21 season and are net of revenue sharing and arena debt service. In the league, were in big investment mode. Portland has shown consistently that were at the top of the list in supporting womens franchises and events, Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler said. Other notable stars: Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Candice Dupree, Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Cheyenne Parker, Epiphanny Prince, Allie Quigley, Tamera Young. The WNBA raised $75 million from investors. 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. Earvin "Magic" Johnson - $620 Million. Were going to try to change the narrative and change the actual quantitative valuation model, Engelbert said. High point: Led by Diggins-Smith, making the playoffs in their second year in Dallas. It is currently estimated that the WNBA generates approximately $60 million in revenue, while $12.3 million of that revenue is distributed to its players. During his time in New York, Jordan won two NBA Championships (2000, 2002) and was named MVP of both events. 2002 Fleer Authentix WNBA brought the concept of serial-numbered Rookie Cards to the league with each getting 2,002 copies. 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. 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. An unlucky injury for Tennessee star Catchings -- she tore her ACL, which prematurely ended her senior season -- was fortuitous for the Fever. The capital raise valued the league at $475 million, according to multiple sources, and the WNBA gave away roughly 16 percent equity in itself to investors as a result of that process. Heres a look at the six markets that seem the most prepared and probable to be on the short list for WNBAexpansion: During the fall of 2019, the Nashville Sports Authority board commissioned CAA Icon a consulting firm that works with venue owners and operations, professional sports franchises and sports leagues to conduct market research on the viability of and interest in a professional womens sports team in the city. The city could also serve as a gateway to the shoe companies that keep their headquarters nearby. MVPs: Yolanda Griffith (1999) It averaged 75,000 viewers per regular season game in 2017, according to Nielsen, but that more than doubled to 162,000 viewers per nationally televised game last season. 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. League all-time leaders: Sue Bird in assists (3,031) and games (545) Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Joe Tsai. 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 . Even though she was 34 when the league started, Cooper was still playing at an elite level after more than a decade of stardom overseas, and was crucial to getting the WNBA off the ground. The group has an exclusive negotiation agreement with the city of Oakland to acquire 50 percent of Oakland Arena where the Warriors played until they moved in 2019 and have a non-binding lease agreement with the arena. . Once again, the franchise is considered the most valuable of any of the NBA's 30 clubs, according to a report from Kurt Badenhausen of Forbes. Other notable stars: Rebekkah Brunson, Napheesa Collier, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Katie Smith, Lindsay Whalen. Laksa plays in the forward position and was originally . Dolan put the Liberty on the market in 2017, and Brooklyn Nets owner Joseph Tsai bought them in 2019. The base salary for WNBA rookies varies on when (or if) players were selected in the WNBA Draft. WNBA career stats leaders: Elena Delle Donne in free throw percentage (93.9) and offensive rating (124.85) By 2005, Brunson, Lawson, Powell and Walker joined the team and Sacramento won the title. Try a week on us. , Apr 5, 2022. Tsai, who is worth $8.7 billion according to Forbes, bought the team and moved it to Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Today, a jersey deal is a one of . She was also named one of the WNBA's top 20 players as part of the . The Birch family also has interests in MLB's Chicago Cubs and MLS' Chicago Fire. The information used to compile our valuations primarily came from the teams, sports bankers, media consultants and public documents, like arena lease agreements and bond documents. They had been the Orlando Miracle, affiliated with the Orlando Magic, and were just getting established after four seasons. Boston Celtics: $3.2 . But after four seasons, Johnson was ready to move on from the WNBA. Bridgestone Arena could be a location for a WNBA expansion team. New York made the first championship game (before the Finals became a series) in 1997, and then appeared in the Finals three more times. 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. Regular-season record: 60-68 Force 10 has never wavered in its commitment to the WNBA and the Seattle community. ^ Cited revenue was AUD$1.547B; exchange rate of 1 euro per AUD$1.61 for 2019 season used here. In 2003, the Mohegan Tribal Gaming Authority paid $10 million as an expansion fee for the Connecticut Sun, according to an SEC filing. If you look at the NFL, were getting $10.1 billion a year for television and the WNBA is getting $30 million a year. She joined Penicheiro, the team's No. Mark Davis bought the Aces from MGM last year for a little over $2 million. 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. Ticket sales account for $50 million, or more than 83 percent of the WNBA's overall revenue. 2 in the 1999 WNBA draft, which included many players (like her) who were from the defunct ABL. So Dallas has its fate in its hands, and could move up quite a lot in the next few years. Low point: The franchise folding after going 15-17 in 2002. 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. You just look at the rookies who are doing so great this year. 28. 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. 2002 Fleer Authentix WNBA Sue Bird RC #101 /2002. 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 deal occurred only after the NBA asked several league owners to step in to take over the franchise because it had languished on the market for more than 14 months, sources said. The average salary this season for a WNBA player is $120,648. However, MLSE wouldnt confirm directly whether its directly involved with the bid put forth by New Media Sports & Entertainment. The Ducks peaked at the No. The team was owned by Russian billionaire Sergey Brin and Chinese investor Joe Tsai, who started out as employees of Google's China office. 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. We could see the Aces much higher in this kind of ranking a few years from now; they are contenders for the title again this season. 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. Face of the franchise: Jackie Stiles (2001-02) They pay for the potential and so the WNBAis becoming a major part of the conversation as we speak.. Face of the franchise: Merlakia Jones (1997-2003) And twice, the organization has gotten back-to-back No. While the average highest listed price is $233. It has just never been the right time. The NHLs Predators, the arenas main tenant, have publicly supported the Nashville Sports Councils Women in Sports Initiative, which indicates they would be open to discussing sharing Bridgestone Arena if an ownership group came forward. The brothers also own NHL's Chicago Blackhawks, and before that, had an interest in the Indianapolis Pacers of the NBA. Add in Young-Malcolm as the No. Those new teams could begin to play as early as the 2024 season, she said. Nashville and the state of Tennessee just has such a strong history and support of womens basketball.. The ABL didnt last very long just two seasons but it was the first sign of Lacobs interest in putting his money behind a womens basketball league. (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. Joe Tsai is a co-founder of China's biggest e-commerce company, Alibaba Group. He is known for being one of the founders of Microsoft and also owns the Portland Trail Blazers of the NBA. Even though she has played just three full seasons, she led the Mystics to the 2018 and 2019 WNBA Finals, winning the championship in the second trip. In the CAA Icon survey, residents favored Bridgestone Arena and the Nashville Municipal Auditorium. Other notable stars: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Ivory Latta, Tiffany Jackson-Jones, Glory Johnson, Sheryl Swoopes, Odyssey Sims, Riquna Williams. Finally, people are understanding the value of the WNBAand what we offer.. 9 UConn (26-5) eked out a 60-51 win over Xavier, a team that is 7-22 on the season and 0-20 in conference play. For example, the value of the Los Angeles Clippers is $3.3 billion, 20% more than in our NBA valuations in February, in part because the team has broken ground on a new arena that is expected to significantly increase the teams revenue. 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 top cumulative contracts are four-year deals worth $899,480. Net Worth: $400,000; WNBA Team: Washington Mystics 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. From 2007-2013, the Sparks were owned first by Gemini Basketball and then Williams Group Holdings, but there was concern in late 2013/early 2014 that the franchise might move when Williams opted out of ownership. MVPs: Maya Moore (2014), Sylvia Fowles (2017) Said Abrahams: They know weve done our financial model, they know whos involved with our group. Championships: Four (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017) 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. The Chicago Bulls and Brooklyn Nets were next with values of about $1 billion each. Delle Donne missed last season and has been limited to just a few games this season by lingering back issues. Golden State Warriors. While WNBA statistics have yet to be revealed, a number of those teams are said to have been supported by NBA ownership. 1 draft pick in 2009 and led Atlanta to the WNBA Finals in 2010, 2011 and 2013. 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. Low point: Failing to follow up their postseason breakthrough, going 13-19 in 2001. The W.N.B.A. But it hasn't always been a 12 team league. Theres no crisp or clear formula, but you see cities that rise to the top pretty quickly, Engelbert said. 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. MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2019) And if we can do that, were gonna get a great next round of media deals.. Thibault is now in his ninth season with Washington, which also traded for Delle Donne before the 2017 season. Whatbeganas nickel-and-dime advertising has rapidly increased into lucrative marketing agreements. How does marketing in the WNBA stack up against the NBA . 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. Still, Philadelphia holds lots of appeal. Playoff appearances (record): None 2 in 2011 that she didn't want to be there, and her brief presence (53 games) and long absences defined the franchise. The NBA, however, turns a profit of roughly $2.1B per year, which is what allows them to payout 50% of the league revenue to players. High point: Finishing 16-16 in 2000 and making their only playoff appearance. We have all the money here in market in Toronto accessible.. And for the upcoming 2021 season, ESPN has split the difference, dropping to 25 games. High point: Weatherspoon swishing a heave from just beyond half court to win Game 2 of the 1999 WNBA Finals 68-67. Low point: Going 14-20 in 2012, their seventh consecutive season missing the playoffs with a losing record since the franchise launched in 2006. 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. She told The Athletic that the value of the WNBAs 12 individual teams plus the league itself is worth over $1 billion. So much has changed during COVID with this league. To date, the Monarchs are the last WNBA franchise to fold. The Knicks have many assets, including World Class Talent, a passionate fan base, and their home arena, Madison Square Garden. Fawknotson remains optimistic about Nashvilles chances for WNBAexpansion. She made it clear before being drafted No. Like Engelbert, Davis the Aces owner is fixated on revenue as his top priority. 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. Best players: Diamond DeShields, Candace Parker, Allie Quigley, Courtney Vandersloot. Expansion has been the hot-button issue of the WNBA through the entirety of Engelberts tenure as commissioner. Value: $1.58 Billion. Take, for example, the New York Knicks. The highest-paid NBA players, by comparison, make in excess of $40 . UConn has appeared in the last 14 Final Four's, but that streak could be in jeopardy. 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. Considering they've already reached the Finals and had an MVP, the building blocks to long-term success are in place. Her fandom is not just performative. There has been a critical error on this website. 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. Through expansion the WNBA is trying to reset the market for how much its franchises are worth. The league currently gets an average of $2.66 billion a year from Walt Disneys ABC and ESPN and AT&Ts Turner Broadcasting. Championships: One (2019) Playoff appearances (record): 12 (30-28) Franchise journey: The Fire were owned by the Portland Trail Blazers' Paul Allen, but not for long. Playoff appearances (record): 16 (32-25) Playoff appearances (record): 15 (41-34) The city already has used this kind of financing for sports arenas. Bird has been a key factor for all four titles and is a primary icon of the WNBA. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. It was the first title for the franchise and longtime WNBA coach Mike Thibault. Behind LAFC comes Atlanta United ($845 million) and LA Galaxy ($835 million). Franchise journey: Many things went right for the Comets from the start. This allows more people from different economic backgrounds to attend basketball games. The Business Of Basketball. Low point: There hasn't been one, although the Aces were disappointed to be swept by Seattle in the 2020 Finals. The NBA has gained undeniable traction over the last decade, at least from a financial standpoint. 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. Just as he cited the old American Football League in explaining why he chose to make Becky Hammon the leagues first million-dollar salaried coach, he used it to explain the need for more revenue. 2023 RANKING; Billionaire Secrets The Business Of .