Kristian Ferrell
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) was created by the National Basketball Association (NBA) Board of Governors as a women's counterpart to the NBA. The NBA owned each of the first eight WNBA franchises, all of which were located in cities that were also home to NBA teams. In 2002, the NBA began selling WNBA teams to their NBA counterparts in the same city or to third-party ownership groups, marking a shift in the league's structure. Since then, the WNBA has continued to thrive as the most successful American women's professional sports league, with teams like the Chicago Sky, owned by Michael Alter, and the Atlanta Dream, partially owned by former WNBA player Renee Montgomery, the first former player to hold a team ownership stake.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founding date | 24 April 1996 |
| First season | 1997 |
| Number of teams | 13 (scheduled to expand to 15 in 2026) |
| Headquarters | Midtown Manhattan |
| Relationship with the NBA | Created by the NBA Board of Governors as a women's counterpart to the NBA; the NBA owned each of the first eight franchises until 2002 |
| Example: Owner of the Las Vegas Aces | Mark Davis (since 2021) |
| Example: Owner of the Atlanta Dream | Kelly Loeffler (co-owner until 2021) |
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What You'll Learn
The WNBA was founded by the NBA Board of Governors
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a professional women's basketball league in the United States. The WNBA was founded on April 24, 1996, as a women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA). The NBA Board of Governors created the WNBA as an analogue to the NBA, and the league play began in 1997. Each of the first eight WNBA franchises was located in a city that was also home to an NBA team, with similar nicknames and uniform colours.
The NBA owned each of the first eight franchises until 2002 when it started allowing the sale of franchises to unaffiliated groups and cities without NBA teams. For example, the Las Vegas Aces were purchased by Mark Davis, the owner of the Las Vegas Raiders, for $2 million in 2021. The Aces are now the most valuable team in the WNBA, valued at over $140 million.
The Atlanta Dream is another example of a team that was awarded by the WNBA to Atlanta in 2008. The team was initially owned by U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler, who sold her majority stake in 2021 due to her public denunciation of the Black Lives Matter movement. The Dream is currently the least-valued WNBA franchise, worth $55 million in 2024.
The WNBA has continued to grow and evolve, with 13 teams currently and plans to expand to 15 in 2026. The league has also implemented rule changes to align with the NBA and hosts annual competitions like the Commissioner's Cup. The success of the WNBA has made it the most successful American women's professional sports league.
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Teams are sold to ownership groups unaffiliated with the NBA
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a professional basketball league in the United States that was founded in 1996 as the women's counterpart to the National Basketball Association (NBA). While the NBA played a key role in the establishment and initial support of the WNBA, the league has since evolved and now operates as an independent entity.
One aspect of the WNBA's structure that showcases its independence is the ownership model for its teams. While some teams are owned by the same groups that own NBA franchises, the WNBA has actively encouraged and facilitated the sale of teams to ownership groups unaffiliated with the NBA. This strategy has been deliberate and aimed at fostering diversity and financial stability within the league.
Allowing teams to be sold to ownership groups unrelated to the NBA has brought several benefits to the WNBA. Firstly, it has expanded the pool of potential investors, attracting individuals and organizations specifically passionate about women's sports and interested in the long-term growth of the league. This diversification of ownership helps protect the WNBA from potential instability within the broader basketball ecosystem, as its success is not solely reliant on the fortunes of its male counterpart.
Moreover, unaffiliated ownership groups often bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and unique connections to the league. They may have different networks, business experiences, and marketing strategies that can be leveraged to enhance the visibility and appeal of the WNBA. This diversity of thought and practice contributes to a dynamic and evolving league that can adapt to the interests and needs of its diverse fan base.
One notable example of a team sold to an unaffiliated ownership group is the Las Vegas Aces. In 2017, the team was purchased by Bill Laimbeer and his wife, who had no previous affiliation with the NBA. Laimbeer, a former NBA player and coach, brought his basketball expertise to the ownership group, while his wife, a successful businesswoman, contributed her business acumen and community connections. Together, they have successfully grown the team's profile and established a strong fan base in Las Vegas.
The sale of teams to unaffiliated ownership groups is a strategic move by the WNBA to strengthen the league's foundation and ensure its long-term viability. It fosters diversity, encourages innovation, and attracts passionate investors dedicated to the advancement of women's sports. As the league continues to evolve and grow, this ownership model will likely play a pivotal role in shaping the future success and sustainability of the WNBA.
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The Las Vegas Aces were sold to Mark Davis for $2 million
The Las Vegas Aces, one of the most prominent and successful franchises in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), has a new owner as of the 2021 season: Mark Davis. Davis, who is also the owner of the National Football League (NFL)'s Las Vegas Raiders, acquired the Aces for a reported sum of $2 million. This transaction marked a significant milestone in the history of the WNBA and the Aces franchise.
The sale of the Las Vegas Aces to Mark Davis showcases the growing value and recognition of the WNBA and women's sports in general. The $2 million price tag may seem modest compared to the valuations of their male counterparts' leagues, but it represents a step in the right direction. This sale attracted attention and highlighted the potential for strong returns on investment in women's basketball franchises, which, in turn, could encourage more potential owners and investors to consider the WNBA as a viable and attractive option.
For the Las Vegas Aces, the new ownership by Mark Davis brings a sense of stability and the potential for greater integration with the city of Las Vegas' sports landscape. Davis, who already owns the Raiders, has a strong connection to the city and a vested interest in its success as a sports hub. By owning both the Aces and the Raiders, Davis can promote synergy and cross-promotion between the two teams, raising the profile of the Aces and the WNBA within the Las Vegas community and beyond.
The $2 million sale also reflects the increasing value of the Aces franchise specifically. The team has a rich history, having undergone several relocations and name changes since its establishment in 1997 as the Utah Starzz. The Aces have built a strong and dedicated fan base, and their on-court performance has been impressive in recent years, making them a desirable investment opportunity. With Mark Davis' ownership, the Aces gain the backing of an established sports franchise owner, which could lead to enhanced resources, improved player recruitment, and a stronger position within the highly competitive WNBA.
This sale of the Las Vegas Aces to Mark Davis is a positive step towards the continued growth and success of the WNBA. It demonstrates that the league is attracting serious investors and that women's basketball is a viable and valuable enterprise. With the right support and investment, the WNBA has the potential to thrive and gain even greater recognition worldwide. This sale sets a precedent and paves the way for a brighter future for the league and its players.
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The Atlanta Dream was established in 2008
The Atlanta Dream is an American professional basketball team based in Atlanta, Georgia. The team was founded in 2008 and has played in 13 seasons of the WNBA. The Dream came into existence as a WNBA expansion team, with the original owner being Atlanta businessman Ron Terwilliger. The team nickname and colours were chosen by a public vote, with the final choice resting with Terwilliger. The name 'Dream' was inspired by Atlanta native Martin Luther King Jr.'s iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.
In February 2008, the Dream selected 13 unprotected players from other WNBA teams, including notable additions such as guard Betty Lennox and forward-center Erika de Souza. The team also acquired forward-guard Iziane Castro Marques in a trade following the draft. Marynell Meadors became the team's inaugural head coach and general manager. In their first season, the Dream struggled, winning only four games.
In 2009, the team selected forward-guard Angel McCoughtry as the top pick in the WNBA draft. McCoughtry's scoring prowess played a crucial role in the team's turnaround, leading to an 18-16 record and their first playoff appearance. The Dream clinched their first Eastern Conference title in 2010, reaching the WNBA Finals but ultimately losing to the Seattle Storm.
The Dream played at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta from 2008 to 2016. In 2019, the team moved to the Gateway Center Arena in College Park, Georgia, where they continue to play today. The Dream has qualified for the WNBA Playoffs in ten of its seventeen years in Atlanta and has reached the WNBA Finals three times.
The team is currently owned by real estate investors Larry Gottesdiener and Suzanne Abair, along with former Dream player Renee Montgomery. Despite sharing the Atlanta market with the NBA's Hawks, the Dream is an independent entity and not affiliated with its NBA counterpart.
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The Cleveland Rockers folded due to ownership issues
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is currently owned by the league's entities and has been since it was founded in 1996. The WNBA is a professional basketball league in the United States that is composed of 12 teams across the country. Like many professional sports leagues, the WNBA has had its share of franchise relocations and foldings throughout its history, including the Cleveland Rockers, who folded after the 2003 season due to ownership issues.
The Cleveland Rockers were one of the original eight teams that formed the WNBA. They were owned by Gordon Gund, who also owned the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers at the time. The Rockers played their home games at Gund Arena, now known as Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, which they shared with the Cavaliers. Despite having a passionate fan base and a talented roster, the Rockers struggled to find long-term success on the court, failing to win a WNBA championship during their existence.
The folding of the Cleveland Rockers can be largely attributed to ownership issues. Gordon Gund decided to sell the Rockers and the Cavaliers following his divorce from his wife, who had been involved in the management of both teams. In 2003, Gund sold the Cavaliers to a new ownership group, but he was unable to find a buyer for the Rockers. Despite efforts from the WNBA league office to find new owners for the team, no suitable buyers emerged.
The Rockers' attendance had also declined in their final seasons, which made it difficult to generate sufficient revenue to sustain the team. Without an owner willing to invest in the team and with declining attendance, the future of the Cleveland Rockers looked uncertain. Ultimately, the WNBA announced in January 2004 that the Rockers would cease operations and that their players would be distributed among the remaining WNBA teams through a dispersal draft.
The folding of the Cleveland Rockers was a unfortunate outcome for the league and for women's basketball fans in Cleveland. However, the WNBA has continued to grow and evolve, with new teams joining the league in recent years. The league has also made significant strides in terms of player salaries, benefits, and media coverage, ensuring that the sport continues to gain popularity and that the legacy of teams like the Cleveland Rockers lives on.
While the Cleveland Rockers are no longer active, their impact on the league and on women's basketball in the region should not be understated. They helped foster a generation of young athletes and inspired a community of fans, showing that women's basketball has a place in the professional sports landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
The WNBA was founded by the NBA Board of Governors and each of the first eight WNBA franchises was owned by the NBA until 2002. The NBA began allowing the sale of franchises to ownership groups in cities that did not have NBA teams and to groups in NBA cities that were unaffiliated with those NBA teams.
The Las Vegas Aces are owned by Mark Davis, who also owns the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Atlanta Dream was originally owned by Atlanta businessman Ron Terwilliger. In 2021, then-co-owner and U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler agreed to sell her majority stake, and the team was valued at $55 million in 2024.
Yes, each WNBA team has different owners. For example, Spurs Sports & Entertainment owned the team that would become the Las Vegas Aces when it was based in San Antonio.
