The No. While the team has only one title (1978) to its name, they hold the No. Other notable stars: Kahleah Copper, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Candice Dupree, Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Cheyenne Parker, Epiphanny Prince, Allie Quigley, Tamera Young. The Hornets franchise is owned by the GOAT, but that doesnt make them the greatest-valued franchise in the league. Delle Donne day-to-day, sits out Mystics' win Sat. Here's a look at what each NBA franchise is worth from least to greatest, according to Sportico's total valuations up to December 2022: The Pelicans are ranked as the lowest-valued franchise in the league at $1.63 billion despite drafting Zion Williamson as the overall No. The valuation was calculated using the sales price of all sports teams, which is estimated to be worth $230 million. Face of the franchise: Merlakia Jones (1997-2003) The Miracle's potential wasn't fully realized in four years in Orlando, but it blossomed when the Sun -- led by players like McWilliams-Franklin, Sales and Douglas -- made back-to-back WNBA Finals appearances in 2004 and 2005. The New York Knicks have been usurped and now hold the No. They traded Smith, a future Hall of Famer, to Detroit in late July 2005. 1 pick in 2022. Championships: Three (2003, 2006, 2008) 16 spot for the most valued franchises in the league. But when she has been on the court, it has made all the difference for the Mystics. 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. Since then, they have only one NBA title (1977) under their belt and 37 postseason appearances. 1 draft pick Sabrina Ionescu in the third game of last season with an ankle injury, and ending 2020 with a franchise-low two victories. Catchings was a 10-time All-Star and five-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, as iconic to the Fever as Bird and Taurasi have been to Seattle and Phoenix. Championships: None Jonquel Jones, Sun: In her fifth WNBA season, Jones averaged 19.4 points, 11.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 1.26 blocked shots and 1.26 steals. Franchise journey: Madison Square Garden was a pretty special place with a likable and successful Liberty team in the late 1990s and early 2000s. But the Liberty haven't been that far since 2002 and haven't had a winning record since 2017. WNBA Seasons. Face of the franchise: Angel McCoughtry (2009-2019) Playoff appearances (record): One (1-2) 27. In 2000, Stan Kroenke became full owner of both the Nuggets and the NHLs Colorado Avalanche, purchasing the teams for $450 million. Franchise journey: The Aces are this low only because they're in just their fourth season in Las Vegas. 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. [1] Face of the franchise: Alyssa Thomas (2014-present) For example, if a game draws low ratings, then no money will be made on that game. High point: Finishing 16-16 in 2000 and making their only playoff appearance. . Team Finders: Season Finder, Game Finder, Streak Finder, Span Finder, Score Finder, Rivalry Finder. The Sun missed the playoffs for the next four seasons. After Seattle took Australian star Lauren Jackson No. Franchise journey: The Utah Starzz were an original WNBA franchise in 1997, but the Utah Jazz were not a very engaged owner and the team moved to San Antonio to become part of the Spurs organization in 2003. Bird said she "felt like crap" that season, but committed to getting in the best shape of her life and staying in Seattle. Championships: None They took the spot as the most valuable NBA team from the Lakers when they signed an incredibly lucrative cable deal. With athletes receiving countless lucrative deals and fans filing into sold-out arenas, the NBA continues to grow in the financial space. 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. These are usually only available during the off-season since there is no collective bargaining agreement between the league and its players association like there is with the NBA so salaries cannot be discussed ahead of time. Playoff appearances (record): 12 (42-24) Playoff appearances (record): Eight (30-19) But Davis has been very involved, so the change seems positive for the future. The team was owned by Russian billionaire Sergey Brin and Chinese investor Joe Tsai, who started out as employees of Google's China office. Portland Trail Blazers - $2.29 billion, The Bucks hold the No. Low point: An 8-26 final season in San Antonio in 2017, when it was clear the Spurs ownership group had completely lost interest in the Stars. MVPs: None Face of the franchise: Sheryl Swoopes (1997-2007) The National Basketball Association is one of the most profitable sports leagues in the United States. 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. Plus, help in the form of two consecutive No. The 6-4 Stewart averaged 20.3 points (third in the WNBA), 9.5 rebounds (fifth), 2.7 assists and 1.75 blocks (fifth). Playoff appearances (record): One (0-2) He came back to New York for one final season in 2009 before announcing his retirement. The Lynx have been in a talent re-stocking process the last few seasons, but still consistently make the playoffs. Face of the franchise: Courtney Vandersloot (2011-present) Former baseball star Alex Rodriguez and businessman Marc Lore are in the process of buying the Timberwolves/Lynx. 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. Leaders. Bird has been a key factor for all four titles and is a primary icon of the WNBA. The seven-year veteran has won her second MVP award. Regular-season record: 422-390 Tulsa finally had a winning record at 18-16 and made its lone playoff appearance in 2015. (The Comets dedicated that season to her.). Tulsa went 7-38 under Richardson, who resigned 11 games into his second season. Face of the franchise: A'ja Wilson (2018-present) 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. Ticket sales account for $50 million, or more than 83 percent of the WNBA's overall revenue. 'Bet on me': Griner seems like old self in first interview since detainment. Regular-season record: 48-48 MVPs: None 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. High point: Defeating Minnesota on the Lynx's home court in Game 5 of the 2016 WNBA Finals for the Sparks' third title, and first in 14 years. But that didnt stop them from rounding out the top 10 as the league's 10th most-valued franchise. The Jazz was able to make six-straight playoff appearances and are still on the hunt for the teams first NBA title. The Star made the playoffs in seven of Hammon's eight years with San Antonio. Franchise journey: If you became a Mystics fan sometime in the last nine years, you missed the roller coaster of ups and downs and carousel of coaches that preceded that. Playoff appearances (record): 20 (47-43) 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. MVPs: Nneka Ogwumike (2016), Candace Parker (2008, 2013), Lisa Leslie (2001, 2004, 2006) Los Angeles Lakers. Playoff appearances (record): One (1-2) MVPs: None Value: $4.7 billion. 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. Championships: None It tied the Storm with the Minnesota Lynx and Houston Comets for most in WNBA history. The stars from the final Detroit team in 2009 didn't come to Tulsa; in fact, Deanna Nolan and Cheryl Ford never played in the WNBA again. But Pistons/Shock owner Bill Davidson died in March 2009 and Laimbeer left for an NBA assistant's job shortly after. Jake Paul and his promotions team are launching a new boxing series called Most Valuable Prospects that will highlight top up-and-coming fighters. 2013 Rittenhouse Brittney Griner Rookie Card graded PSA 10 sold for $2,500. Franchise journey: Greatness is invariably accompanied by some luck. Regular-season record: 241-149 That brought young post players Charli Collier, 21, and Awak Kuier, 20, who could blossom. A crash on Westbound 90 completely blocked the highway near the Highpoint Trailhead exit east of Issaquah after a multiple-vehicle collision. 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. Originally part of the NBA's Seattle SuperSonics organization, the Storm franchise was bought by a Seattle-based, all-women ownership group, Force 10 Hoops, in 2008 to keep the WNBA team in place when the NBA team moved to Oklahoma. WNBA career stats leaders: Margo Dydek in blocks (877) and block percentage (8.99); Jennifer Azzi in 3-point field goal percentage (45.8) The wondrously talented Stinson is the franchise's all-time scoring leader but point guard Staley -- who came to the league in 1999 from the ABL -- became the heart of the team. Low point: The franchise folding, despite a committed fan base, after the 2009 season. Fantasy women's basketball: Is one ball enough to go around on the Liberty? Even though she was 34 when the league started, Cooper was still playing at an elite level after more than a decade of stardom overseas, and was crucial to getting the WNBA off the ground. Low point: The Fever are in it now -- their fifth consecutive losing season. The Seattle Storm were able to turn around their financial situation and start making money. Face of the franchise: Elena Delle Donne (2017-present) 4 pick in the 2006 draft, and a trade for Wauters in 2008, and the Stars had the core of their best team, which went 24-10 in 2008. Face of the franchise: Sheri Sam (2000-02) Three have been with single-digit victory totals, and they're closing in on the fourth. 1 of 25. Then everything changed in the 2010 season: Cheryl Reeve was hired as head coach, forward Brunson was picked in the Sacramento Monarchs dispersal draft and a trade brought point guard Whalen home to Minnesota. 1 draft pick Aliyah Boston projects in the WNBA, How regular-season Goliaths have fared in the postseason. They have not appeared in the NBA playoffs since 2016 and have never won an NBA title. Earlier this year, the NBA approved the sale of the Phoenix Suns to Mat Ishbia from Robert Sarver, making Ishbia the new majority owner of the Suns and the WNBAs Phoenix Mercury. Regular-season record: 37-59 Franchise journey: The Dream are the last expansion franchise to join the WNBA, in 2008. The Warriors' revenue comes primarily from ticket sales ($153 million) and corporate partnerships ($100 million). Seattle Storm most valuable WNBA team after selling minority stakes. After losing in the 1998 WNBA Finals, the Mercury missed the playoffs seven of the next eight years. Playoff appearances (record): 16 (32-25) In honor of their accomplishments, each member of the All-WNBA First Team will receive $10,300 and each member of the Second Team will receive $5,150. Playoff appearances (record): 15 (41-34) This makes them the most valuable franchise in all of sports. Regular-season record: 143-179 Fortunately, there was soon a move to Las Vegas. She also became the fastest player in league history to record 2,500 points and 1,000 rebounds in a career. The $1.5 billion sale of the Timberwolves to entrepreneur and investor Marc Lore and retired baseball star Alex Rodriguez was approved by the NBA last year. MVPs: None Playoff appearances (record): Nine (20-14) A big name in men's basketball, he wasn't prepared to run a WNBA team. But that didnt stop them from rounding out the top 10 as the league's 10th most-valued franchise. The . Fantasy women's basketball: Whose numbers could fall in 2023? At this point, despite a lot of success as a franchise, the Dream face a lot of questions. Regular-season record: 60-68 Two men were killed and a third person was wounded during a shooting in a Seattle park Saturday night, police said. Even though the team doesnt have a championship to its name, they certainly are building its own identity. Construction is expected to begin this spring and is expected to be completed in time for training camp ahead of the 2024 WNBA season. The 2021 All-WNBA Second Team consists of Las Vegas Aces forward Aja Wilson (177 points), Minnesota Lynx center Sylvia Fowles (148), Dallas Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale (134), Washington Mystics forward Tina Charles (118) and Chicago Sky guard Courtney Vandersloot (111). The WNBA also takes advantage of free agent opportunities when players want to switch teams. The NBA's Most Valuable Teams 2021 Houston Rockets v Memphis Grizzlies Getty Images 30. The Davidson family sold the Shock to Tulsa at the end of the 2009 season, but it wasn't close to the same team that began play in Oklahoma. This is the first WNBA Most Valuable. The Stars' struggles in their final years in San Antonio helped lead to consecutive WNBA No. This amounts to a profit margin of 17%. While the team has made 10 playoff appearances in the last 14 seasons, they still rank among the lowest-valued franchises. MVPs: None The Liberty lost Game 3 and the series, but "The Shot" lives on. The Aces went on to win the championship last year under rookie head coach Becky Hammon. WNBA career stats leaders: Cheryl Ford in total rebound percentage (20.47) High point: Reaching the 2013 WNBA Finals -- for the third time in four years -- despite a .500 regular-season record. "It is extremely exciting to have Kristi back with the Mystics," said General Manager Mike Thibault. Bob Johnson, owner for the expansion Charlotte Bobcats who were entering the NBA in 2004, bought the Sting. Major red flags with Russell Wilsons Why Not You Foundation. Whether Chicago can get there this year or next will take a whole lot going right, but the hope remains. Toronto Raptors - $2.1 Billion. Other notable stars: Elena Baranova, Debbie Black, Sandy Brondello, Betty Lennox, Ruth Riley. Through all of their struggles as a team, they remain beloved amongst New Yorkers. Vandersloot is an All-WNBA honoree for the fourth consecutive season and the fifth time overall. 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. Sue Bird #10 of the Seattle Storm leads the team from the locker room before Game Four of the 2022 WNBA Playoffs semifinals against the Las Vegas Aces at Climate Pledge Arena on September 06, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. MVPs: None Franchise journey: The Sol are one of the two "if you blinked, you missed them" franchises in the WNBA, along with Portland. Regular-season record: 224-200 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. That brought players such as Sales, Douglas and McWilliams-Franklin from Orlando, plus the Sun drafted Whalen in 2004. The WNBA has one of the more flexible business models in sports. After bringing on investors including former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, Dell Technologies CEOMichael Dell,andLaurene Powell Jobs the valuation of the WNBA and its 12 teams reached a total of $1 billion. The Tulsa Shock then moved before the 2016 season to Dallas to become the Wings. Other notable stars: Skylar Diggins-Smith, Ivory Latta, Tiffany Jackson-Jones, Glory Johnson, Sheryl Swoopes, Odyssey Sims, Riquna Williams. During that time, Taurasi joined the team, and she led the Mercury to their breakthrough championship in 2007. 17. Signings like Brandon Ingram and CJ McCollum still havent been enough to push the Pelicans franchise out of the last spot. High point: Making the WNBA Finals in 2020 in the team's third season in Las Vegas. Other notable stars: Ruthie Bolton, Rebekkah Brunson, Kara Lawson, Ticha Penicheiro, Nicole Powell, Tangela Smith, DeMya Walker. Houston would win just four more playoff games from 2001-2008 before folding after two seasons under owner Hilton Koch, who had bought the team from Alexander. That is due to the Dubs lifting the Larry OBrien trophy six times in the eleven Finals appearances the team has made. The Grizzlies are becoming one of the best-developed franchises in the league at the hands of Ja Morant, but they still hold the second-lowest spot for the lowest-valued franchise in the league. The 5-8 guard posted 17 games with at least 20 points, second only to league scoring leader Tina Charles (19). 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 . 1 pick. Here are the 25 best teams in WNBA history, including some that didn't win it all. 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. New York made the first championship game (before the Finals became a series) in 1997, and then appeared in the Finals three more times. They went the distance in 2017, too, but this time Minnesota won the decisive fifth game for its fourth title. Some players are listed under more than one franchise as they had a big impact on different teams. High point: Making their only WNBA Finals appearance in 2001, under coach Anne Donovan. When not at the game you will find Austin on Twitter live tweeting his excitement for whatever team hes rooting for. The Aces are on their second owner in Sin City as Las Vegas Raiders boss Mark Davis bought the team from MGM Resorts International earlier this year. 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. Bill Laimbeer, with his third WNBA franchise after Detroit and New York, knows what it takes to win in this league. Force 10 has never wavered in its commitment to the WNBA and the Seattle community. The team, which holds two NBA champions (1971, 2021), continues to increase in value each year. Championships: One (2012) Memphis Grizzlies Value: $1.3 billion 1-Year Change: 0% Owner: Robert Pera Operating Income:. 2 in the 1999 WNBA draft, which included many players (like her) who were from the defunct ABL. She made it clear before being drafted No. Franchise journey: The Mercury seem to have had the most ownership stability of any WNBA franchise. 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. 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. That is due to the Dubs lifting the Larry OBrien trophy six times in the eleven Finals appearances the team has made. MVPs: None The Chicago Sky are owned by Joe and Michael Birch. Low point: Having the distinction of being the only WNBA franchise to never make a playoff appearance. Worst pick (C): CB Alex Austin, Oregon State (Round 7, Pick 252) Good size at CB but not lengthy. The Seattle Storm sold minority stakes earlier this week at a WNBA-record value of $151 million, according to the franchise's communications team. Regular-season record: 490-323 Cleveland has come a long way, but the glory days may be behind them. The "Air Jordan" became the face of the franchise when he joined them as a rookie in 1989 and remained with the team until 2003. Seattle is our top-ranked franchise in part because it consistently has taken best advantage of its good fortune, and also because it has created such a positive, winning culture. Other notable stars: Ariel Atkins, Alana Beard, Tina Charles, Natasha Cloud, Chamique Holdsclaw, Ivory Latta, Crystal Langhorne, Emma Meesseman, Murriel Page. Since the Knicks haven't posted their financial statements online like most other teams, they were given an exemption by Forbes to be able to calculate their value. She led the WNBA in blocks (1.93 bpg) for the eighth time in her nine seasons. The SHIBA program part of the Office of the Insurance Commissioner is ready to help with your Medicare open enrollment decisions. Business interest in WNBA teams is on the rise. However, Riley went on to win two championships playing for the Detroit Shock, and Lennox was the WNBA Finals MVP with the champion Seattle Storm in 2004. The Stars then won Game 3 and made their only WNBA Finals appearance. High point Young-Malcolm's desperation shot at the buzzer in Game 2 of the 2008 Western Conference finals against Los Angeles keeping San Antonio alive. High point: Avenging a 2016 WNBA Finals loss to the Los Angeles Sparks by winning the 2017 Finals, also against L.A. We are excited to create a state-of-the-art training facility for our team and for our city. They also own MLB's Los Angeles Dodgers and NFL's Los Angeles Rams. The Spurs are among some of the most successful teams on this list with five NBA titles in six finals appearances. Franchise journey: After the 2002 season the WNBA was ready for independent ownership outside of NBA franchises, and the Sun were the first to go that route. Florida grad Jones gets credit as the only player who was with the Rockers start to finish. The Sol were affiliated with the Miami Heat and were coached by Ron Rothstein, who had been the Heat's first coach when they joined the NBA in 1988. 2 in 2011 that she didn't want to be there, and her brief presence (53 games) and long absences defined the franchise. Here Are The Top-10 Most Valuable NBA Teams In 2020 10. Force 10 Hoops LLC is still the controlling majority owner of the team. 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. Named the WNBA Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time, the 6-6 Fowles ranked second in the league in both steals (1.81 spg) and blocks (1.81 bpg). 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) Michael Jordan bought the Hornets (then known as the Bobcats) in 2010 for around $275 million, and they're currently valued at $1.77 billion, making them the fifth-lowest NBA team by value. We'll never know, but Chicago has had a different kind of dynamic duo in guards -- and spouses -- Vandersloot and Quigley. The Jazz was able to make six-straight playoff appearances and are still on the hunt for the teams first NBA title. The Dream made their eight playoff appearances in a 10-season stretch from 2009-2018, and they were a victory away from the 2018 WNBA Finals. 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. The Wings had the top two picks in this year's admittedly weak draft. She joined Penicheiro, the team's No. But they fell to Charlotte in the East semifinals. The team has continued to prove itself as a financial success 23 years after majority owner Mark Cuban purchased the team for $285 million. For reference, in 2021, Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis bought the Las Vegas Aces for approximately $2 million. A potential ownership group from Kansas City attempted to buy the Sting, but couldn't raise enough funds and the franchise disbanded. As popular as the Liberty have been with their fans, they never seemed to mean as much to James Dolan, even though he owned them from their inception. Professional athletes are teaming up to prevent infant mortality and empower women at risk in communities facing severe poverty. Most Valuable Player; All-WNBA; Coach of the Year View all awards and honors. MVPs: Yolanda Griffith (1999) Bradley Beal, one of the leagues top free agents, resigned with the Wizards with a whopping five-year maximum contract worth $251 million, and the Wizards continue to prove why they are a formidable franchise in this league. The New York Knicks are the most valuable franchise in the NBA, with an estimated value of $4 billion. If on the other hand, if it draws high ratings then more money will be made than if they had played it during week one of the season when people were probably still getting used to the idea of women's basketball and didn't know who they were going to watch play. WNBA career stats leaders: Sylvia Fowles in rebounds (3,640), rebounding average (9.81) and field goal percentage (59.6) Through its world-class athletes, the in-game fan experience, TV and digital broadcasts, digital and social content and community outreach programs, the league celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it. Considering they've already reached the Finals and had an MVP, the building blocks to long-term success are in place. Today, all but two teams are making a profit. And with Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly buying Marc Lasry's $3.5-billion stake in the Bucks, its only a matter of time before the franchise eclipses the 3 billion mark. Mr. Allen is one of the richest people in the world, having earned over $10 billion dollars. Los Angeles Clippers. Michael Jordan. Both were in existence for just three seasons before folding. Even a worldwide pandemic, which saw NBA arenas closed around the country, couldn't slow down the ever-growing organization that is the NBA. NEW YORK - Washington Mystics forward-guard Elena Delle Donne has been named the 2019 WNBA Most Valuable Player, the WNBA announced today. MVPs: Diana Taurasi (2009) While the team has never won an NBA title, the new. High point: Taking the 2019 WNBA Finals to a decisive fifth game before falling to Washington. It is without question that the Celtics are one of the most storied franchises of all time. Cooper's career ended after Houston's fourth consecutive title in 2000 (she returned at age 40 to play four more games in 2003), and that was when other teams in the league caught up. 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. The Trail Blazers have come a long way since entering the league as an expansion team in 1970. High point: The Mystics and Delle Donne overcoming her back injury and a tough Connecticut team to win the 2019 WNBA Finals. The Dream have struggled mightily these past three seasons; they are 21-60 in that stretch. Regular-season record: 340-444 Playoff appearances (record): Nine (24-19) High point: Winning the franchise's fourth title in 2020 during a pandemic-shortened season in an unprecedented "bubble" location in Florida. 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. 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. The Seattle Storm sold minority stakes earlier this week at a WNBA-record value of $151 million, according to the franchises communications team. The WNBA launched with eight NBA-affiliated teams in June 1997. The NBA's Most Valuable Teams G Fiume getty Images 1. Players were selected by position and received five points for each First Team vote and three points for each Second Team vote. How much is the Houston Astros franchise worth? It was the Sun's third trip to the Finals. 1 in 2001, Charlotte bypassed Catchings with the No. The other four originals -- the Charlotte Sting, the Cleveland Rockers, the Houston Comets and Sacramento Monarchs -- are gone, but not forgotten by fans. Golden State Warriors. It was an enormous mistake by the Sting, who missed out on one of the WNBA's all-time greats by not waiting a year for her to recover. When the Shock started 0-10 in 2002, former Detroit Pistons star Bill Laimbeer came in as head coach, which began a massive turnaround. The New York Rangers are now valued at $2 billion. 4 overall pick Engstler, Taurasi offers glimpse at Griner's return to court, Mavs assistant coach Toliver returning to Mystics, WNBA deal will have Friday night games on ION.