Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
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The Golden State Valkyries may as well be in Valhalla (or Ballhalla, as they call it). Shortly after the team shared its season two promotional campaign, CNBC deemed the Valks a billion-dollar franchise — the first in women’s sports history. That’s no accident. Valkyries president Jess Smith and her team have been busy building a juggernaut brand — and in a region full of fervent fans and powerful sponsors, that becomes a billion-dollar pursuit. Last month, we spoke with Smith about the strategies she’s implemented to reach this pinnacle, as well as what’s going to keep the club climbing in year two.
May 15, 2026
Nielsen, ESPN share WNBA viewership insights that illustrate league’s growth among key demosNielsen, ESPN share WNBA viewership insights that illustrate league’s growth among key demos
Nielsen, ESPN share WNBA viewership insights that illustrate league’s growth among key demos
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May 14, 2026
Earlier this week, Nielsen shared WNBA viewership insights from the 2025 season and the 2026 WNBA Draft. The numbers show impressive overall success, as well as high growth in specific demographics and regional markets. That, coupled with brand-new viewership data from ESPN, illustrates that the league is stronger than ever in year 30. Let’s get into the paint.
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 Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war

The WNBA seems to be everywhere these days, but not in a great way. A lot of the oxygen around the league is being taken up by off-court issues, particularly regarding trans women and trans athletes. On today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Ellen Hyslop and Steph Rotz share their thoughts on it all, detailing the anti-trans comments that sparked this nationwide debate, the Players Association’s response, commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s leaked internal memo.

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The Dallas Wings are shooting their shotThe Dallas Wings are shooting their shot
The Dallas Wings are shooting their shot
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This year, the Dallas Wings got lucky again. They landed back-to-back No. 1 overall picks, first choosing Paige Bueckers in 2025, then Bueckers’ former teammate Azzi Fudd just a month ago. (The pair are an item on and off the court, but don’t ask the club about it.) In April, we chatted with Wings CEO Greg Bibb about how the team has flourished under his tenure and the hype around the Dallas market, for W fans and brands alike. Everything’s bigger in Texas, after all.
May 09, 2026