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Aces listed as WNBA’s most valuable franchise by Sportico

Updated June 19, 2024 - 6:54 pm

The Las Vegas Aces are the most valuable franchise in the WNBA.

The back-to-back defending champions are valued at $140 million, according to a list compiled by the digital media platform Sportico. That’s well above the $97 million league average.

The Seattle Storm ($135 million), New York Liberty ($130 million), Phoenix Mercury ($105 million) and Chicago Sky ($95 million) round out the top-five most valuable clubs in the 12-team WNBA. The Atlanta Dream were listed as the league’s least valuable franchise at $55 million.

The Aces’ value has skyrocketed since their 2018 move to Las Vegas. It’s continued to grow after Raiders owner Mark Davis bought the team in 2021 from MGM Resorts International. Financial terms of the purchase were not disclosed.

Davis has invested heavily in the Aces since taking over.

The team opened a 64,000-square-foot facility last year that sits next to the Raiders’ Henderson headquarters. The Aces’ building features two full courts, a weight room, a player lounge and a family room. It was the first practice facility built specifically for a WNBA team in league history.

Fan interest has soared thanks to the Aces’ recent success.

They became the first team in WNBA history to sell out their season-ticket allotment this year. Retired NFL quarterback Tom Brady purchased a minority stake in the Aces last year for an undisclosed price.

Sportico said it spoke with more than 30 people over the course of six weeks to determine the values of each team. The outlet granted anonymity to some, including bankers, owners and team executives, to compile its list.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.

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