The Golden State Valkyries haven’t even played a dozen games, but they’re already breaking records off the court.
Despite a modest 4–5 start in the standings, the WNBA’s newest expansion team is making waves where it counts most for long-term success: revenue. In their inaugural season, the Valkyries have reportedly generated a staggering $55 million in sponsorships and ticket sales — the largest single-season revenue figure in league history.
That eye-popping number could soon make them the WNBA’s most valuable franchise, signaling a new era for the league’s business landscape.
Golden State Valkyries Aims to Soar Past $55 Million WNBA Valuation Summit
Behind that figure is a meticulously crafted revenue engine. The Valkyries have already inked over $20 million in sponsorship deals this season, tapping local technology titans and national brands eager to associate with a fresh WNBA success story.
On the ticketing front, 10,000 season-ticket holders and premium seating packages are projected to contribute another $35 million for a combined $55 million in revenue. That is a testament to both savvy pricing strategies and sellout crowds that have become the norm at every home game.
Matt Craig of Forbes wrote, “The team has locked in at least $20 million in sponsorship revenue this season and is projected to earn another $35 million from its 10,000 season-ticket holders and various premium ticket packages.”
The Valkyries reportedly brought in $55M in revenue — and that’s not even counting league media money, merch, or extras.
That figure alone would’ve out-earned 8 entire MLS teams last season, per Forbes estimates. 👀 pic.twitter.com/cPQ2nY6h9r
— Golden State Valkyries Report (@valkyriesreport) June 9, 2025
This financial standing surfaces just as Forbes released its first-ever WNBA team valuations. The twelve established franchises (apart from the Valkyries) boast an average valuation of $272 million.
At the top sits the New York Liberty at $400 million, followed by the Indiana Fever at $370 million. Even the league’s floor, set by the Atlanta Dream, stands at $190 million.
Here’s how the top contenders stack up (excluding Golden State Valkyries):
New York Liberty: $400 million
Indiana Fever: $370 million
Seattle Storm: $330 million
Las Vegas Aces: $310 million
Phoenix Mercury: $300 million
Dallas Wings: $250 million
Chicago Sky: $240 million
Los Angeles Sparks: $235 million
Minnesota Lynx: $230 million
Washington Mystics: $205 million
Connecticut Sun: $200 million
Atlanta Dream: $190 million
The Valkyries’ rapid ascent signals a broader transformation in women’s sports. The WNBA’s average valuation multiple now sits at 14.4 times revenue, eclipsing the NBA’s 11.7 times, MLB’s 9 times, and MLS’s 9.3 times, according to Forbes.
Valkyries Projected to Surpass $400 million Valuation by 2026
Several structural advantages underpin this meteoric rise. Valkyries owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber‘s net worth stands at $2.3 billion and $1.5 billion, respectively. They parlayed their success with the NBA’s Golden State Warriors (estimated at $8.8 billion) into an ecosystem of fan engagement and sponsorship activation.
Now, the billionaire duo’s existing relationships with tech sponsors and local government have accelerated facility upgrades, community programs, and cross-promotion efforts that few other WNBA teams can match.
Brought in fans from Iowa and Indiana
Attracted global attention by signing players from France, Italy, Belgium, Australia, UK, Lithuania
Instantly built a pretty damn good team
Shoutout to the Golden State Valkyries – a very strong team both in marketing and on the court. pic.twitter.com/kI72BwDBTt
— marco (@GotTheFever22) June 8, 2025
In addition, the WNBA’s forthcoming 11-year, $2.2 billion national media-rights deal—set to kick in for the 2026 season—promises to elevate revenue sharing across the league. By riding that wave, Golden State could secure a huge slice of broadcast and streaming payouts, further boosting their valuation multiple.
From the season opener, the Valkyries have sold out the Chase Center, creating scarcity and urgency in the ticket market. This consistent demand has empowered dynamic pricing models that amplify per-game revenues and set record benchmarks for secondary-market sales.
Even conservative projections, factoring in roster buildout costs and performance-based bonuses, place the Valkyries’ valuation comfortably north of $450 million by 2026.
Should on-court fortunes align, meaning attracting an All-Star roster enticed by robust facilities, media spotlight, and a sellout arena, the ceiling could approach the $500–600 million range, rivaling top-tier franchises in men’s sports.