Did you know that when the WNBA debuted in 1997, the top salary was a modest $50,000? Since then, the league has grown exponentially. Right now the WNBA team worth for each franchise is $96M. While this shows a great increase from its inaugural season, much of it has happened this year after the induction of popular WNBA rookies such as Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink.

Last year, the WNBA’s average net revenue was around  $13.2M. This shows that each team has benefited. Recently Sportico took on the task of evaluating the net worth of each franchise and A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces stood at the top with $140M whereas Caitlin Clark’s Indiana Fever recorded an 889% boost in their revenue. Essentially Sports takes a deep dive into this year’s valuation compared with last year’s revenue.

Las Vegas Aces 

The Las Vegas Aces are not only champions on the court but off the court too. The 2X WNBA Champions have a net worth valuation of $140 million which is extremely high compared to their last year’s $17.8 million in revenue. A’ja Wilson & Co. have surely uplifted the team from the pitfalls and garnered a loyal fanbase. The franchise was sold for a meager $2 million in 2021 to the owners of Las Vegas Raiders. Looks like MGM must be regretting its decision right now.

Seattle Storm

The Seattle Storm occupied the second place in the Sportico’s evaluations with $135 million. Considering they are only $5 million behind the Aces, the gap can be closed easily if the Storm performs well this season. As for their last season, the Storms had a revenue of $17.6 million. Even in revenue last year they were near the Aces. All the Storm needs is a successful season.

New York Liberty 

Compared to the LAs Vegas Aces, the Liberty didn’t have that much increase in revenue. While last year they had recorded $18 million in revenue which was the highest among all teams, this year they are positioned at the third spot with $130 million in evaluation. Looks like the Liberty fans were disappointed after they couldn’t win the trophy last season.

Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury is one of the most consistent franchises. They have a valuation of $105 million whereas last year they earned $15 million in revenue. Maybe Diana Taurasi can do the magic this season and before signing off the basketball court can give its fans moments of pride and honor.

Chicago Sky

It is worth noting that Angel Reese’s Chicago Sky is above the Indiana Fever in terms of valuation. The Sky have a projected net worth of $95 million, during the WNBA 2023 they made  $12.5 million. Seems like Reese has done the magic and taken this team from very niche fans to a worldwide following.

Indiana Fever

The Indiana Fever has recorded an exponential increase of 889%. Last year they could only make $9.1 million which was among one of the lowest WNBA earnings by any franchise. This year with the induction of Clark the roster has a net worth valuation of $90 million.

If Fever can do the magic on the court this season then there is no denying that in the coming years, they will be one of the most loved franchises especially since they have the number 1 pick from the 2023 and 2024 draft.

Los Angeles Sparks

When we speak of Reese and Clark, how far can be Cameron Brink? Brink has uplifted this franchise from their abysmal earnings of $11.2 million from last year. This season the Sparks have an estimated net worth of $85 million this year. The Sparks will continue to battle with the Fever and the Sky and it remains to be seen which team will ultimately lead the way not only on the court but also in revenue.

Minnesota Lynx

The Lynx are tired with the Sparks at the seventh place in the estimated net worth for this season. The Lynx made $13.1 million last year while this season they are projected to grab a whopping $85 million just like the Sparks. Hopefully, the Lynx will not disappoint their fans and charm all with their play.

Connecticut Sun

The Connecticut Sun occupies the ninth place in the estimated net worth. It has a valuation of $80 million. Last year the Sun made $12.9 million in revenue. They might be able to increase their share towards the end of the season if they concentrate on having spectacular performances and market their players well.

Washington Mystics

The Mystics have a revenue of around $80 million and are thus tied with the Sun. While the Sun had a revenue of $12.9 million last year, the Mystics had an earning of $11.3 million. Therefore from the Mystics’ perspective, this is a good rise in value and hopefully, they will be able to sustain it in the coming seasons. 

Dallas Wings

The Wings had made just $11.1 million last year and are projected to earn $75 million. Though they are on the second last spot this is a good rise from what they had last year.

Hence this shows that even the poor-earning teams have caught onto the rookie fever and with their drafting into the league, the whole WNBA is gaining in popularity.

Atlanta Dream

The Atlanta Dream is the lowest-earning team with only $55 million. They are $20 million behind the second-last team – Dallas Wings. The Dream will have to work on their brand value and produce popular players who can sway the fan love towards them. Or maybe they can also try picking the right players in the subsequent year drafts. 

The league has an average net worth of approximately $96 million which is a great leap from where they were before. One of the prime examples of growth is that the Aces was sold at $2 million and now stands at $140 million evaluation. Hopefully, the WNBA will continue to earn more as they bring women’s sports to focus.

But before you go, be sure to check this video of Leonardo Armato’s take on Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese.