The WNBA season resumes on August 15 after almost a month long Olympic break and Dallas Wings, who find themselves at the rock bottom of the points table will certainly look to revamp and improve their position. Although their performance on the court hasn’t been stellar so far, they’ve made an unexpected splash in the financial realm, adding a positive twist to their year.
Just a couple of months back, the Dallas Wings were valued at $75 million, ranking them 11th in the WNBA while
the top of the list witnessed the Las Vegas Aces, valued at $140 million. But it might be hard to believe, the Wings, currently tied for last place in the 12-team league, have now become the most valuable franchise in the WNBA, with a whopping $208 million valuation,
according to a report from Front Office Sports. This sudden rise is fascinating, however, it involves different factors which has made it possible. Let’s discuss how Wings climbed up the valuation ladder.
Dallas Wings’ remarkable valuation surge
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The Dallas Wings have experienced a meteoric rise in valuation, with the team’s worth jumping by over $100 million. However, it seems impossible, this astonishing increase can be attributed to a recent investment deal where two businessmen, Jed Kaplan, and Randy Eisenman, acquired a 1% stake in the franchise for a staggering $2.08 million.
Can you believe the Dallas Wings are now worth a staggering $208 million? React!
The seller of this lucrative stake was none other than Greg Bibb, the Wings’ CEO and part-owner. “I can make a compelling case for why that $208 million number is justifiable,” Bibb said to Sports Business Journal. Several factors are elevating the Dallas Wings to a top-tier status in the WNBA.
The team’s anticipated move to downtown Dallas plans for a new practice facility, and significant increases in attendance and sponsorships are driving this transformation. The franchise has even secured new, high-value partnerships with Baylor Scott & White Health, Wendy’s, and Raising Cane’s. Additionally, their current three-year local TV deal with Bally’s Sports Southwest is set to end after this season.
The Wings are anticipated to transition to an over-the-air or streaming deal for 2025, which is expected to feature the team’s first-ever rights fee. Now let’s take a look at the deal which will see Wings shifting to their new base, which will potentially enhance their valuation even more.
Impact of relocation and growing attendance on the Dallas Wings’ valuation
The recent surge in the Dallas Wings’ valuation coincides with a period of significant off-court development when the city has shown its support by offering a $19 million incentive to encourage the team to relocate from their current home, the College Park Center, to the renovated Memorial Coliseum downtown in 2026. This move is expected to provide a substantial boost to the team’s fan base, as the Memorial Coliseum boasts a capacity of 8,500 spectators compared to the College Park Center’s 6,000.
Despite currently playing at the College Park Center on the campus of the University of Texas at Arlington, the Dallas Wings have experienced a remarkable surge in attendance this season. Averaging 6,057 fans per game, the team has witnessed a 31% increase compared to the previous year. Moreover, this upward trend has culminated in sold-out crowds for six out of their eleven home games thus far.
However, the Wings are set to relocate to the convention center arena by early spring 2026. The city will provide incentives to the team over three years, but will retain ownership of the arena. As the WNBA season resumes, the Dallas Wings’ significant valuation leap highlights their evolving status. Despite their on-court struggles, their financial and developmental strides promise a brighter future and increased market presence.
Stay tuned for more such updates. And join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show”. Our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.
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Debate
Dallas Wings' valuation surge: Is this a sign of the WNBA finally getting the respect it deserves?