Business · Companies · 11 hrs ago
Investors expand ownership of women’s sports teams
Investors are putting more money into women’s sports teams as valuations and commercial opportunities grow.
The Golden State Valkyries, a WNBA team, reached a $1 billion valuation in May 2026, the first women’s sports team to reach that level.
The team also generated more than $100 million in revenue in 2026, after selling out all 22 home games in the regular season.
In women’s soccer, Washington Spirit’s average attendance rose from about 2,000 to more than 16,000, while its commercial sponsorship grew by 120% over two years.
Private equity funds are building portfolios that include teams and leagues across different sports and markets.
The WNBA’s media agreements total $3.1 billion over 11 years, giving teams a longer-term source of potential revenue, though profitability also depends on how income is shared and operating costs.
Investors are looking beyond ticket sales to media rights, sponsorships, facilities and merchandise as women’s sports businesses expand.
Investors and private equity funds are expanding their ownership of women’s sports teams.
The Golden State Valkyries were valued at $1 billion in May 2026, the first women’s sports team to reach that level, according to CNBC.
The team’s annual revenue exceeded $100 million in 2026, according to Sportico, citing Reuters.
Investment is also growing in women’s soccer, with Angel City valued at $250 million in a deal for a controlling stake.
Long-term media rights, sponsorships and commercial products are among the factors supporting team valuations.
- Who
- Private equity funds and other investors, including Monarch Collective and Next 3 Ventures.
- What
- Investors are expanding ownership of women’s sports teams and building portfolios across sports and markets.
- When
- The article was published on November 4, 2026; it also cites investment and valuation milestones from 2022 to 2026.
- Where
- The United States and Germany, among other markets.
- Why
- Growing audiences, media rights, sponsorships and commercial products are making women’s sports teams more attractive to investors.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Michelle Kang acquired the Washington Spirit for $35 million.
Kara Nortman and Jasmine Robinson founded Monarch Collective as a fund focused on women’s sports.
Sportico estimated the Golden State Valkyries’ revenue at $78 million.
CNBC valued the Golden State Valkyries at $1 billion, making them the first women’s sports team to reach that level.
Sportico reported that the Valkyries’ annual revenue exceeded $100 million.
- Golden State Valkyries valuation
- $1 billion in May 2026
- Valkyries annual revenue
- More than $100 million in 2026
- New York Liberty valuation
- $600 million
- Indiana Fever valuation
- $560 million
- Angel City valuation
- $250 million in a deal for a controlling stake
- WNBA media agreements
- $3.1 billion over 11 years