'); }); AU / NZ America Europe/UK Membership Login News Events Women in Sport Summit 2026 Women in Sport Futures Day 2026 Unmissable Sports Forum Unmissable Sports Lunch Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership News Australia / New Zealand Events Conferences Awards Networking View All Education Playa Power Data GlS QUT View All Membership Topics Brands Media & Broadcast Olympic Sponsorship Sports Tech Women’s Sport Show More Topics >> Sports Australian Rules Basketball Cricket Netball Rugby League Soccer (Football) Show More Sports >> Login Membership Home > Brands > Golden State Valkyries Shatter Records with $1 Billion Valuation Brands, Finance 3 min read Golden State Valkyries Shatter Records with $1 Billion Valuation Written by MOS Editorial Team Published on 8 May 2026 The Golden State Valkyries have become the first women’s professional sports franchise to reach a USD1 billion (AUD1.3 billion) valuation, according to CNBC’s 2026 WNBA team rankings. The landmark figure represents a 20-fold increase on the USD50 million (AUD69 million) expansion fee paid by owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber just two years ago. The valuation is a mechanical necessity for the league’s upcoming expansion rounds, setting a new floor for entry as the WNBA prepares to welcome franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia between 2028 and 2030. The Valkyries’ unprecedented valuation is driven by a league-high USD78 million (AUD108 million) in revenue generated during their inaugural 2025 season. By leveraging the existing NBA infrastructure of the Golden State Warriors and the Chase Center, the franchise has achieved operational efficiencies previously unseen in the league. While the Valkyries lead the pack, the entire league is experiencing a valuation “halo effect.” The average WNBA team is now valued at $460 million (AUD637 million) , significantly outstripping the USD250 million (AUD346 million) expansion fees set for future teams. A factor in these “de-risked” valuations was the ratification of a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) on 24 March 2026. By securing labour peace, the league has eliminated the threat of a work stoppage, allowing investors to value franchises against guaranteed media revenue and a stable operating environment. Caitlin Clark’s impact on the Indiana Fever and the overall attendance record of 11,148 fans per game in 2025 has proved that the league’s popularity is not tied to a single player. Even with Clark missing half of the schedule due to injury, the league achieved its strongest television numbers since 1998, averaging 969,000 viewers per game. Don’t miss out on the latest in sports business – Subscribe today to the free Ministry of Sport newsletter and stay ahead of the game. For even more exclusive insights, event tickets, professional development and networking events, become a MoS Member today! . Former NBA Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams has pivoted from his decorated... The professional women's basketball league Unrivaled has officially announced that its Series C... LIV Golf announced that approximately 90 per cent of its workforce will be... Join the most engaged community in the Sports Business World. Get all the latest news, insights, data, education and event updates. Your MVP in the Business of Sport. We play the game to add value to the Sports Business industry by delivering News, Insights, Education and Events. Join the most engaged community in the sports business world. Want to be part of the team? Subscribe for free to join today! Copyright © 2026 | Ministry of Sport | All Rights Reserved.
Curated by Taleb Kabbara · Source: ministryofsport.com