Sportico, CNBC share differing WNBA valuations that both prove rising value of the league

May 05, 2026

Over the weekend, both Sportico and CNBC shared their estimated valuations for all WNBA teams. While both outlets came to the same conclusion — the Golden State Valkyries are the highest-valued team — they ended up with different calculations, likely because CNBC included the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire and Sportico did not. Let’s crunch the numbers.

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Sportico, CNBC share differing WNBA valuations that both prove rising value of the league

Source: Golden State Valkyries

The GIST: Over the weekend, both Sportico and CNBC shared their estimated valuations for all WNBA teams. While both outlets came to the same conclusion — the Golden State Valkyries are the highest-valued team — they ended up with different calculations, likely because CNBC included the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire and Sportico did not. Let’s crunch the numbers.

The Golden State Valkyries are worth $1B. It’s the first time a women’s sports team has surpassed the billion-dollar mark, but it won’t stay that way: A WNBA investor estimates other well-run W teams will be worth that within five years. Sportico offered a more conservative Valkyries valuation estimate at $850M, but still enough to make Doctor Evil jealous.

The average WNBA team is worth between $427M (Sportico) and $460M (CNBC). Sportico’s number is up 59% YoY from its 2025 report, and only its top three teams have values equivalent or higher: The Valkyries, the NY Liberty ($600M), and the Indiana Fever ($550M).

Bringing the Connecticut Sun to Houston boosted the team’s value. According to CNBC, the Sun — which Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta bought for a record $300M in March — could be worth $400M due to the planned move. However, Sportico still values the Sun at $300M, the second-lowest valuation in the W. While these numbers differ, the Valkyries’ dominance and the Fire’s early estimates illustrate the marketing power of new locales.

League sponsors are making a real financial impact. Despite concerns about how delayed CBA negotiations would affect WNBA sponsorship, the league is doing more than fine. CNBC says the number of W sponsors rose to around 30 to begin the season, up 40% YoY.

Some of that is thanks to the unique opportunities available this year, like the league’s Legacy Trail program that gives many categories the ability to activate. But it’s also because more and more brands are seeing the value of WNBA partnership, like Procter & Gamble’s multi-brand investment in league fandom. A clean sweep.