Charles is an All-WNBA Team choice for the ninth time and Fowles for the seventh time. The Comets were 98-24 in the regular season and 16-3 in the playoffs in the league's first four years. High point: The 2012 title gave the future Hall of Famer Catchings a WNBA championship, and her college coach Pat Summitt was in attendance for the clinching victory. How much is the Houston Astros franchise worth? Memphis Grizzlies Value: $1.3 billion 1-Year Change: 0% Owner: Robert Pera Operating Income:. (The Comets dedicated that season to her.). Ticket sales account for $50 million, or more than 83 percent of the WNBA's overall revenue. The report estimated the franchise's value at $2 billion, making it the most expensive team in the league. The WNBA finished the 2022 regular season as its most-watched regular season in 14 years, with viewership up 16% over the year before. The 5-8 guard posted 17 games with at least 20 points, second only to league scoring leader Tina Charles (19). The Storm facility will provide our athletes with a dedicated space to support them holistically, from training to health and wellness, said, , co-owner of Force 10 Hoops LLC, in a prepared statement. She's now the franchise's general manager, and with six wins last year and five so far this season, could have the No. Johnson signed with the Stars as a free agent in 2006, and former New York teammate Hammon came to San Antonio via trade in 2007. Monday marks the start of the Washington State Ferry (WSF) system's annual peak season surcharge for single-vehicle fares. Aja Wilson, Aces: One year after winning the WNBA MVP award, Wilson averaged 18.3 points (sixth in the league) and posted career-best averages of 9.3 rebounds (eighth) and 3.1 assists. The NBA's Most Valuable Teams G Fiume getty Images 1. Force 10 has never wavered in its commitment to the WNBA and the Seattle community. Value: $4.6 billion. 7.. Chicago Bears, $5.8 billion (tied) Getty Images This amounts to a profit margin of 17%. During the season, she moved into fourth place on the leagues career list for total assists (2,180). MVPs: None Contacts: Ron Howard, WNBA Communications, 212-407-8641, rhoward@nba.com, Sam Tager, WNBA Communications, 212-407-8358, stager@nba.com, Fantasy WNBA: How to Play Fantasy Womens Basketball, WNBA and Scripps Partner on Multi-Year Agreement for Friday Night Spotlight Games on ION, The Dallas Wings New Wave: Poised from the Perimeter. Regular-season record: 71-113 Portland Trail Blazers - $2.29 billion, The Bucks hold the No. With athletes receiving countless lucrative deals and fans filing into sold-out arenas, the NBA continues to grow in the financial space. Other notable stars: Swin Cash, Taj McWillliams-Franklin, Plenette Pierson, Ruth Riley, Katie Smith, Kedra Holland-Corn. The Storm are owned by Paul Allen and his company, Index Investment Company. the franchise in 2006, when it was the Seattle SuperSonics, along with the WNBA Seattle Storm. Golden State Warriors. If youre retired or getting ready to retire and looking for new ways to stay active, becoming a SHIBA volunteer could be for you! Everyone loves the Miami sun, so of course the blazing-hot south beach team ranks well as the 12th most valued franchise in the league. MVPs: None The Thunder franchise is worth $1.75 billion, which puts them 27th in the league. Low point: Losing the 2012 Eastern finals to Indiana, after which coach Mike Thibault was fired and went to Washington. 15 spot for the highest-valued franchise in the league, which is a stunning increase in value since the team was purchased for $450 million in 2014. The team, which holds two NBA champions (1971, 2021), continues to increase in value each year. Voting for the All-WNBA First and Second Teams was conducted at the conclusion of the regular season. Since then, they have only one NBA title (1977) under their belt and 37 postseason appearances. Face of the franchise: Teresa Weatherspoon (1997-2003) The Bulls have come a very long way from the Michael Jordan era, but the team that holds six NBA titles sits comfortably in the fourth spot of the highest-valued franchise in the league. In 2017, the franchise was worth 3.3 billion US dollars, followed by the Los Angeles Lakers, who were worth just a bit less than the Knicks. Copyright 2020 - 2023 Sportsmanist Inc. Regular-season record: 341-380 1 pick at the 2019 NBA Draft. Low point: The Fever are in it now -- their fifth consecutive losing season. Championships: None Championships: Four (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020) Playoff appearances (record): Two (2-5) Championships: None That season, the Sparks had their fewest wins in franchise history, going 10-24. During that time, Taurasi joined the team, and she led the Mercury to their breakthrough championship in 2007. WNBA career stats leaders: Diana Taurasi in points (9,161), field goals made/attempted (2,887 of 6,703), 3-point field goals made/attempted (1,203 of 3,286) and free throws made/attempted (2,184 of 2,508) Featuring 12 teams, the W is a unique sports property that combines competition and entertainment with a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and social responsibility. The Bucks hold the No. WNBA career stats leaders: Cheryl Ford in total rebound percentage (20.47) High point: Stiles, on the heels of a magical run to the Final Four with Missouri State, winning WNBA Rookie of the Year in 2001 -- yes, over Seattle's Lauren Jackson, which really shouldn't have happened. They had been the Orlando Miracle, affiliated with the Orlando Magic, and were just getting established after four seasons. Franchise journey: Of the eight original WNBA franchises, Los Angeles and Phoenix are the two most successful remaining teams, with the Sparks having the most playoff appearances in WNBA history. Championships: One (2019) While the team has made 10 playoff appearances in the last 14 seasons, they still rank among the lowest-valued franchises. 1 overall? Other notable stars: Allisha Gray, Liz Cambage, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Isabelle Harrison, Glory Johnson, Marina Mabrey, Satou Sabally, Kayla Thornton. During the 2020 season, the WNBA and WNBPA launched the WNBA Justice Movement forming the Social Justice Council with the mission of being a driving force of necessary change and continuing conversations about race and voting rights, among other important societal issues. Face of the franchise: Sheri Sam (2000-02) They went the distance in 2017, too, but this time Minnesota won the decisive fifth game for its fourth title. A big name in men's basketball, he wasn't prepared to run a WNBA team. MVPs: None They made the playoffs six times during this often-chaotic period, starting the stretch at 3-27 in 1998 and ending it 5-29 in 2012. She joined Penicheiro, the team's No. In all but one case -- Tulsa to Dallas -- the ownership was different when the franchise moved, and in all cases the teams have had distinct identities. The other four originals -- the Charlotte Sting, the Cleveland Rockers, the Houston Comets and Sacramento Monarchs -- are gone, but not forgotten by fans. After all, Dallas is a contemporary team and has a lot of young talent, led by scoring sensation Ogunbowale. Low point: Having their best record (20-12) and making their first conference finals appearance in 2002 wasn't enough to keep the team in Utah. WNBA career stats leaders: Tamika Catchings in win shares (93.66), defensive win shares (36.52), steals (1,074) and steals per game (2.35) When not at the game you will find Austin on Twitter live tweeting his excitement for whatever team hes rooting for. 2 draft pick in 1998, as a great guard-post combo. But the Wings haven't done much yet, losing single-elimination games in their two playoff appearances. Other notable stars: Liz Cambage, Chelsea Gray, Dearica Hamby, Kayla McBride, Angel McCoughtry, Kelsey Plum, Jackie Young. That union provided the Sky with their best record (24-10) in 2013 when Delle Donne was Rookie of the Year, and the next season the Sky reached the WNBA Finals, where they were swept by Phoenix. They took the spot as the most valuable NBA team from the Lakers when they signed an incredibly lucrative cable deal. Face of the franchise: Courtney Vandersloot (2011-present) The Seattle Storm sold minority stakes earlier this week at a WNBA-record value of $151 million, according to the franchises communications team. Causing the team's place in the valuation to fall two spots. The Spurs are among some of the most successful teams on this list with five NBA titles in six finals appearances. Dolan put the Liberty on the market in 2017, and Brooklyn Nets owner Joseph Tsai bought them in 2019. The Kings havent appeared in the NBA playoffs since the 2005-06 postseason, but that hasnt stopped the franchise from handling their business off the court. The NBA's Most Valuable Teams 2021 Houston Rockets v Memphis Grizzlies Getty Images 30. Cambage's selection as the face of the franchise is ironic. "It is extremely exciting to have Kristi back with the Mystics," said General Manager Mike Thibault. Atlanta Dream. Richie Guerin, Rudy Tomjanovich . Face of the franchise: Lisa Leslie (1997-2009) High point: The Mystics and Delle Donne overcoming her back injury and a tough Connecticut team to win the 2019 WNBA Finals. Even though the team doesnt have a championship to its name, they certainly are building its own identity. for $1.66 billion from the Miller family in December 2020 and since then, the teams value has risen. Face of the franchise: Diana Taurasi (2004-present) in the Bucks, its only a matter of time before the franchise eclipses the 3 billion mark. Bird has been a key factor for all four titles and is a primary icon of the WNBA. In 2020, the WNBA and the Womens National Basketball Players Association (WNBPA) signed a groundbreaking eight-year CBA that charts a new course for womens basketballand womens sports overallwith a focus on increased player compensation, improvements to the player experience, expanded career development opportunities, and resources specifically tailored to the female professional athlete. It moved to San Antonio after that season. 2 pick and took Kelly Miller. The Celtics are tied with the Lakers with the most NBA titles in the league, but they are still ranked as the 5th highest-valued franchise in the league. Despite the leagues recent success, Engelbert told The Athletic the WNBA is not expected to add any expansion teams, despite Engelbert believing just a few months prior that it was possible to potentially add two new franchises before the 2024 season. During his time in New York, Jordan won two NBA Championships (2000, 2002) and was named MVP of both events. The Knicks, the league's most valuable team the past seven times Forbes has compiled the list, finished second ($6.1 billion), followed by the Lakers ($5.9 billion), the Chicago Bulls ($4.1. However, the team still falls into the bottom five least-valued teams in the league, despite the undeniable talent of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. High point: Finishing 16-16 in 2000 and making their only playoff appearance. The Pacers missed the playoffs in the last three years and were swept in the first round in 2019 and 2020. Playoff appearances (record): 13 (35-33) Then Fowles, after seven seasons with the Sky, sat out the start of the 2015 season until she was traded to Minnesota, where she has won two titles. But that didnt stop them from rounding out the top 10 as the league's 10th most-valued franchise. SEATTLE (AP) The U.S. Army identified on Saturday the three soldiers who were killed when two helicopters collided in Alaska while returning from a training mission. Face of the franchise: Taj McWilliams-Franklin (1999-2002) Hammon is still in San Antonio, as a Spurs assistant. MVPs: None 'Bet on me': Griner seems like old self in first interview since detainment. Low point: Failing to follow up their postseason breakthrough, going 13-19 in 2001. WNBA career stats leaders: Cynthia Cooper in scoring average (20.98), minutes per game average (35.19) and player efficiency rating (28.72) While the team has never won an NBA title, the new mega trade of Kevin Durant definitely pushes the team toward title contention. The Mystics, who came into the WNBA with Detroit in the first wave of expansion in 1998, had 12 coaches in their first 15 seasons, changing leadership during a season four different times. As previously noted, the WNBA generates an average of $60 million in income every year. After losing in the first round of the playoffs four out of five years between 1994 and 1999, the Knicks started to become popular again. Wilson and Ogunbowale have been selected to the All-WNBA Team for the second straight year and second time in their careers. Value: $2.75 billion. However, through the efforts of the owners and their partners, the WNBA has become a successful business venture. Dwyane Wade and LeBron James and others have done their fair share in bringing the talent and the finances to a team that Micky Arison bought for $33 million back in 1988. The teams 2019 championship run definitely gave the team the edge in the rising value, seeing their value grow more than 400% since 2012 when the team's estimated worth was $400 million. WNBA Seasons. But going 3-31 in 2011 in Cambage's rookie season was pretty hellish. The third of Minnesota's four WNBA championship . Regular-season record: 143-179 Los Angeles Lakers. 1 overall pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft averaged 17.9 points (seventh in the WNBA), 3.8 assists (12th) and 1.48 steals (seventh). Playoff appearances (record): Two (5-8) Face of the franchise: Merlakia Jones (1997-2003) Face of the franchise: Tamika Catchings (2002-2016) The Liberty lost Game 3 and the series, but "The Shot" lives on. The Knicks have many assets, including World Class Talent, a passionate fan base, and their home arena, Madison Square Garden. Per team policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed. Franchise journey: The Sol are one of the two "if you blinked, you missed them" franchises in the WNBA, along with Portland. Other notable stars: Tina Charles, Katie Douglas, Margo Dydek, Jonquel Jones, Asjha Jones, Kara Lawson, Taj McWilliams-Franklin, Renee Montgomery, Nykesha Sales, Jasmine Thomas, Lindsay Whalen, Courtney Williams. This is the sixth All-WNBA selection for Griner, the fifth for Diggins-Smith and the fourth for Stewart, with each player named to the First Team for the third time. New York Rangers Value: $2 billion One-Year Change: 21% Regular-season record: 59-145 A clear choice as the WNBA's best point guard, Vandersloot earned back-to-back All-WNBA First Team nods on the strength of her record-setting assist rates. The Sun missed the playoffs for the next four seasons. High point: Beating four-time WNBA champ Houston in the Western Conference semifinals in 2002, before falling to eventual champion Los Angeles. 1 draft pick for Los Angeles the next year. Skylar Diggins-Smith, Mercury: The 5-9 Diggins-Smith averaged 17.7 points (ninth in the WNBA) and 5.3 assists (sixth). The Golden State Warriors and the New York Knicks produced the most income in the NBA, with 474 million US dollars and 421 million US dollars, respectively. While the Fire lasted just three seasons, the surge in women's basketball's popularity in the state thanks to the success of the Oregon and Oregon State women's programs in recent years makes Portland a place many think the WNBA should reconsider someday. Bevilaqua (with Seattle) and Walker (with Sacramento) both went on to be WNBA champions. Regular-season record: 72-44 16. While Orlando (particularly Walt Disney World) is widely considered the happiest place on Earth, it doesnt translate to the NBA team that falls at the No. Which is the most valuable team in the NBA? But there was always a fascination league-wide with Dydek, the tallest woman to play in the WNBA at 7-foot-2. High point: Going 6-0 in the 2000 playoffs, sweeping Sacramento, Los Angeles and New York to win their fourth consecutive title. The Warriors' revenue comes primarily from ticket sales ($153 million) and corporate partnerships ($100 million). MVPs: Tina Charles (2012) The Clippers have been on quite the journey since joining the NBA as the Buffalo Braves in 1970. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to capitalize on the current momentum around womens sports and are grateful to the investors who have chosen to support the WNBA in an unprecedented way, said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a WNBA press release. The Fever are part of the Indiana Pacers organization, one of four teams in our top 10 that are still affiliated with an NBA team (Minnesota, Phoenix and Washington are the others). The team, which holds two NBA champions (1971, 2021) continues to increase in value each year and is close to valuing over $2 billion. The current salary cap for the NBA is about $75 million US dollars; this limit is set by each team in order to maintain financial stability. Tina Charles, Mystics: Charles led the WNBA in scoring with a career-high 23.4 points, the sixth-best average in league history. Championships: None The average price of a ticket is just over $100. Low point: An 8-26 record in 2003 under the Mercury's third coach in three years. But when she has been on the court, it has made all the difference for the Mystics. But Davis has been very involved, so the change seems positive for the future. So which WNBA franchise is the best in league history? Former Vanderbilt standout Sam led the Sol in scoring all three of their seasons. Face of the franchise: Alyssa Thomas (2014-present) Players who received votes at multiple positions were slotted at the position where they received the most votes. The Jazz was able to make six-straight playoff appearances and are still on the hunt for the teams first NBA title. . We are excited to create a state-of-the-art training facility for our team and for our city. Other notable stars: Rushia Brown, Suzie McConnell Serio, Chasity Melvin, Eva Nemcova, Penny Taylor, Ann Wauters. Since then, the Nuggets have been able to make four straight playoff appearances, despite not being able to win an NBA title. Value: $5 billion. The New York Knicks are also the most valued franchise among the National Basketball Association's 30 franchises (NBA). Considering they've already reached the Finals and had an MVP, the building blocks to long-term success are in place. The New York Knicks are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, with an estimated value of $4 billion. MVPs: Elena Delle Donne (2019) High point: Despite going 15-19 in the 2014 regular season, the Sky got hot at the right time, beating Atlanta and Indiana to reach the WNBA Finals. At this point, despite a lot of success as a franchise, the Dream face a lot of questions. They officially were the "Silver Stars" from then through 2013, then just the "Stars" their last four seasons. The team hasnt made a playoff appearance since James exit in 2018. WNBA career stats leaders: Courtney Vanderslooot in assists per game (6.7) Minnesota Lynx (2015) Tony Quinn/Icon Sportswire. Three original franchises are still in the same place in 2021: the Los Angeles Sparks, the New York Liberty and the Phoenix Mercury, although the Liberty are now in Brooklyn instead of Manhattan. High point: Finishing first (22-10) in the Eastern Conference in 2001, their best season. With the team winning their first NBA title in the 2018-19 season, which also saw the Raptors host all 12 playoff games, the Raptors saw their financial strength rise by a whopping 25% this past season. Griner also ranked second in the league in field goal percentage (57.5). Construction is expected to begin this spring and is expected to be completed in time for training camp ahead of the 2024 WNBA season. Signing free agents such as McCoughtry in 2020 (although she is out this season with a knee injury) and Gray this year were big moves, as was obtaining Cambage via trade in 2019. Sabally at 22 has a bright future, and Gray at 26 has been one of the Wings' most dependable players the past five seasons. Players were selected by position and received five points for each First Team vote and three points for each Second Team vote. Jones -- the only player named an All-Star despite coming off the bench for her WNBA team -- appears poised to take home the sixth player of the year award after winning most improved in 2021 . The Boston Celtics are second on the list with an estimated value of $1.6 billion. The franchise took momentum with them to Texas, having had winning records in 2000, 2001 and 2002 and making the playoffs in their last two seasons in Utah. The NBA comes second with nine teams on the list, including three in the top fivethe New York Knicks ($4.6 billion), the Los Angeles Lakers ($4.4 billion) and the Golden State Warriors ($4.3 . Other notable stars: Elena Baranova, Debbie Black, Sandy Brondello, Betty Lennox, Ruth Riley. Playoff appearances (record): Six (6-13) NBA team values 2022: Warriors top Knicks, Lakers in full list of Forbes most valuable franchises . Other notable stars: Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Candice Dupree, Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Cheyenne Parker, Epiphanny Prince, Allie Quigley, Tamera Young. While the team has made 10 playoff appearances in the last 14 seasons, they still rank among the lowest-valued franchises. That brought players such as Sales, Douglas and McWilliams-Franklin from Orlando, plus the Sun drafted Whalen in 2004. 1 pick. 1. Thats about 5 times more than the $350 million Clay Bennett paid to purchase the franchise in 2006, when it was the Seattle SuperSonics, along with the WNBA Seattle Storm. Ranking the best WNBA franchises in history - Seattle Storm or Minnesota Lynx at No. When the WNBA was first established in 1996, it had only two other major sponsors besides Nike: Coca-Cola and McDonald's. We opted to rank the franchises separately rather than group Utah/San Antonio/Las Vegas, Detroit/Tulsa/Dallas and Orlando/Connecticut. She also became the fastest player in league history to record 2,500 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. They also own MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers and NFL's Los Angeles Rams. This allows more people from different economic backgrounds to attend basketball games. Championships: One (2005) Franchise journey: They made four playoff appearances in their seven seasons, but the Rockers were gone before they really had a chance to make an impact. Playoff appearances (record): 15 (27-36) Trae Young and the young Hawks core have become contenders, causing the franchises value to rise. However, the team still falls into the bottom five least-valued teams in the league, despite the undeniable talent of Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards. Jones was named to the All-WNBA First Team on all 49 ballots in voting by a national panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Seattle Storm most valuable WNBA team after selling minority stakes. It was just a few months ago that current owner Steve Ballmer purchased the Clippers for $2 billion. The Tulsa Shock then moved before the 2016 season to Dallas to become the Wings. From 2007-2013, the Sparks were owned first by Gemini Basketball and then Williams Group Holdings, but there was concern in late 2013/early 2014 that the franchise might move when Williams opted out of ownership. Championships: None Brittney Griner: From Russian detainment to playing basketball, again, Fantasy women's basketball: Positional draft tiers for G and F/C, Fantasy women's basketball: Impact of big names on new teams, WNBA's best 25 under 25: Ranking A'ja Wilson, Napheesa Collier and all the young stars, WNBA Power Rankings: Connecticut Sun dethrone Las Vegas Aces, while Minnesota Lynx leapfrog over Seattle Storm. Playing in Madison Square Garden affords the team a bright spot in the business world in New York, which is in the largest media market in the U.S. The initial plan was to have 12 teams with an average attendance of 5,000 fans per game. Business interest in WNBA teams is on the rise. Low point: Going 14-20 in 2012, their seventh consecutive season missing the playoffs with a losing record since the franchise launched in 2006. Face of the franchise: Becky Hammon (2007-2014) Face of the franchise: Liz Cambage (2011-13) Playoff appearances (record): None In addition, she shot over 45% from the field and just under 39% from three-point range. High point: Defeating Connecticut 3-1 for the championship in the league's first best-of-five WNBA Finals series in 2005. Since then, the Nuggets have been able to make four straight playoff appearances, despite not being able to win an NBA title. MVPs: Tamika Catchings (2011) 1 in 2001, Charlotte bypassed Catchings with the No. Schedule; Roster; Tickets High point: Taking the 2019 WNBA Finals to a decisive fifth game before falling to Washington. Since then, the team was able to win one title in 1958 but hasnt had much luck since. Face of the franchise: Deanna Nolan (2001-2009) Other notable stars: Alana Beard, Tamecka Dixon, Chelsea Gray, Mwadi Mabika, DeLisha Milton-Jones, Kristi Toliver. The WNBA launched with eight NBA-affiliated teams in June 1997. Playoff appearances (record): Two (0-2) Championships: None Delle Donne day-to-day, sits out Mystics' win Sat. Delle Donne missed last season and has been limited to just a few games this season by lingering back issues. 5 - Players from the Los Angeles Sparks have received the WNBA All-Star Game MVP Award five times, the most by any team (Lisa Leslie: 3; Nikki Teasley: 1; Candace Parker: 1). Face of the franchise: Angel McCoughtry (2009-2019) 1 pick in the NBA draft. Many of the people who board those cruise ships spend a night or two in Seattle before they set sail. Playoff appearances (record): Nine (24-19) The Journal reported that FIFA is in the process of calculating a separate value for rights to the women's tournament for the first time, projecting that the 2023 tournament's value will be . Breanna Stewart was awarded her fourth All-WNBA First Team nod of her career before departing for the New York Liberty in the offseason. Bruce Bennett/Getty Images 1. The . It sets its own prices and doesn't have a national television contract so it can increase or decrease its exposure by choosing which games to play and when. The main ranking criteria are success and standout players, although franchise longevity played a factor, too. A team can have more than one player make over the cap, but they can't have more than $113 million US dollars in total contract obligations. The Storm launched soon after the demise of the Seattle Reign of the short-lived ABL, so there was already a professional women's basketball audience in place. After a contentious final season under co-owner Kelly Loeffler in 2020, the Dream have new owners this year -- but are also on their third coach of the season and don't have a general manager in place. Franchise journey: Madison Square Garden was a pretty special place with a likable and successful Liberty team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Value: $3.2 billion. That brought young post players Charli Collier, 21, and Awak Kuier, 20, who could blossom. Major red flags with Russell Wilsons Why Not You Foundation. She died at age 37 in 2011 after suffering a cardiac arrest while pregnant with her third child. Breanna Stewart, Storm: The 2018 WNBA MVP finished third behind Jones and Griner in MVP voting. Franchise journey: The Mercury seem to have had the most ownership stability of any WNBA franchise. Other than in 2008 and 2012, they've made the playoffs every year since. Fantasy women's basketball: Is one ball enough to go around on the Liberty? Golden State Warriors. Whether Chicago can get there this year or next will take a whole lot going right, but the hope remains. The Seattle Storm were able to turn around their financial situation and start making money. Low point: Going 12-22 in 2014 and missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. Value: $4.7 billion. Then Connecticut fired Thibault after the 2012 season, and the Mystics finally had a long-term coach. Playoff appearances (record): Eight (30-19) The Rockets hold the No. Employee of the Month: Yandy Daz Ever since acquiring him in a three-team trade during the 2018 Winter Meetings, those within the Rays . Force 10 Hoops LLC is still the controlling majority owner of the team. The average NBA team is said to now be worth $2.86 billion, a 15 percent increase from a year ago. MVPs: A'ja Wilson (2020) Filling the number 10 spot on the list is the Toronto Raptors. Signing Chicago native Candace Parker as a free agent for this season was part of the Sky pushing their chips toward the middle of the table while she and the VanderQuigs are still in a championship window. MVPs: Sheryl Swoopes (2000, 2002, 2005), Cynthia Cooper (1997, 1998) Bill Laimbeer, with his third WNBA franchise after Detroit and New York, knows what it takes to win in this league. Los Angeles Lakers. The minority stakes were sold to 15 investors in an effort to fulfill its plans to build a 50,000-square-foot practice facility. It was the Sun's third trip to the Finals. 1 pick in 2022. Delle Donne, wanting to be closer to her Delaware home, pushed for a trade to Washington after the 2016 season and has won a title with the Mystics. High point: Making the WNBA Finals in 2020 in the team's third season in Las Vegas.