Golden State Valkyries become WNBA's most valued franchise
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · May 6
Golden State Valkyries become WNBA's most valued franchise
9 articles · Updated · The Guardian · May 6
The Bay Area team is valued at $850m in only its second season, ahead of the New York Liberty at $600m and Indiana Fever at $560m.
Golden State sold out all 22 Chase Center games in its inaugural season, averaged a record 18,064 attendance and has sold 12,000 season tickets for 2026, creating a waitlist.
Average WNBA franchise values rose 59% from 2025, underscoring rapid league growth as the competition marks its 30th season and team valuations far exceed the $140m high set two years ago.
Is the WNBA's financial boom a sustainable trend or a bubble built around a few transcendent superstars?
With million-dollar contracts now common, will WNBA players finally abandon playing overseas in the offseason?
As superteams form and salaries soar, can the league maintain competitive balance while expanding to 18 teams?