re: How does the WNBA make it financially?

I don't care about the games but the finances are interesting.

The WNBA raised $75 million on a $1 billion valuation 3 years ago and the valuation has reportedly now gone up to almost $1.2 billion. That seems somewhat reasonable as a 5x multiple on projected revenue of $240 million this year isn't that high considering how hot sports investment opportunities have been. Not saying it would be a good investment but they could probably easily entice big money if they wanted.

The league did lose an estimated $50 million last year. Current ownership doesn't like the idea of another fundraising round because that would lessen their slices of the total pie but somebody has to kick in more cash because expenses are rising faster than revenues. The NBA owns 42% but when NBA team owners that own WNBA teams are added that rises to around 70%.

The Connecticut Sun will probably have to be sold due to rising costss. They are owned by the Indian tribe that runs the Mohegan Sun casino resort and were profitable at one point but players needing chartered jets and better practice facilities have priced them out.

The summary is that the more the WNBA grows, the more costs rise but they would probably have no problem raising money if they wanted to. The problem is that everybody involved with the league wants to grow without having to sacrifice and you can't have it both ways.