Golden State Valkyries have done what few sports business stories ever manage: turned a bold promise into a billion-dollar reality in just two seasons. Warriors owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber paid $50 million for their WNBA expansion team in 2023, and the franchise is now valued at $1 billion, the highest figure ever attached to a women’s sports team. The numbers behind the rise are drawing attention across the sports business world.
How the Golden State Valkyries Built a Record-Setting Business
Lacob made a big pledge from day one: the team would win a championship within five years while leading the league in revenue. According to sports business newsletter writer Joe Pompliano, he delivered years ahead of schedule.
The business metrics back that up:
- 12,000+ season ticket holders, with a 90% renewal rate
- 40+ sponsorship partners, including JPMorgan Chase
- $100 million in annual revenue, a WNBA record
- 44 straight home sellouts, alongside league-leading attendance
A 90% renewal rate is especially notable. Getting fans to show up once is easy for a new team, but getting them to commit for another year is the real test of a franchise’s staying power.
A Smart Deal Behind the $50 Million Fee
The financial structure was just as clever as the on-court success. Lacob and Guber negotiated a clause that let them pay the $50 million fee over ten years instead of upfront. That freed cash for the things that make a franchise grow, including marketing, game-day experience and community building.
Pompliano’s newsletter credits this approach for the team’s rapid commercial momentum. Fans, local brands and corporate partners all had a reason to buy in early, and the arena experience gave them a reason to keep coming back.
Is the $1 Billion Valuation Realistic?
Not everyone is convinced. Critics on LinkedIn argue that a $1 billion price tag against roughly $100 million in revenue is a steep multiple of about 11x. Some compare it to the men’s Golden State Warriors, which they say trade at a far lower multiple, and warn of a speculative bubble. Others note that star power matters: if a marquee player like Caitlin Clark were injured, they argue, league-wide interest could take a hit.
Supporters see it differently. They say the Golden State Valkyries are pricing in future growth rather than current earnings, and that media rights, sponsorship demand and attendance are all rising across women’s basketball. Another commenter pointed out that the old joke about the NBA subsidizing the WNBA likely does not apply to this team. Several fans and executives also credited team leadership, including Jess Smith, for much of the success.
The truth probably sits in the middle. A record-setting women’s sports valuation carries risk, but the underlying demand is hard to dismiss.
What Golden State Valkyries Mean for Women’s Sports
The bigger story is the precedent. Any future expansion owner will now face higher expectations, as one commenter put it. Investors who once treated women’s leagues as a charity project are now watching the Valkyries as a blueprint for how to build a profitable franchise.
If you follow the league’s rising stars and money stories, you can read our rundown of the best women’s sports teams to follow in 2026-27, our WNBA Finals 2026 predictions and our look at Caitlin Clark’s net worth in 2026.
FAQs
How much are the Golden State Valkyries worth?
The franchise is valued at $1 billion, making it the most valuable team in women’s sports history.
How much did the owners pay for the team?
Lacob and Guber paid $50 million in 2023, with a clause allowing them to spread the payment over ten years.
How much revenue does the team generate?
The team brings in about $100 million a year, a WNBA record, supported by 40+ sponsors and 12,000+ season ticket holders.
Why are some people skeptical of the valuation?
Critics point to the roughly 11x revenue multiple and the league’s dependence on a few star players, and they warn it could be speculative.