The WNBA announced that it will be expanding to 18 teams with addition of three new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia. Each team will pay a reported league record $250 million fee. Previously, Golden State (begin play in 2025) and Toronto (will begin play in 2026) paid $50 million and Portland (will play in 2026) paid $75 million.

Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit will begin play in 2029, and Philadelphia will begin play in 2030.  

 

Recent WNBA Valuations via Sportico:

  1. Golden State, $500 million
  2. New York Liberty, $420 million
  3. Indiana Fever $335 million
  4. Las Vegas Aces, $290 million
  5. Seattle Storm, $285 million
  6. Phoenix Mercury, $250 million
  7. Minnesota Lynx, $240 million
  8. Los Angeles Sparks, $225 million
  9. Chicago Sky, $210 million
  10. Washington Mystics, $200 million
  11. Dallas Wings, $195 million
  12. Connecticut Sun, $180 million
  13. Atlanta Dream, $165 million