The valuation of the Liberty franchise has surged threefold in two years, reflecting the rising popularity of women’s sports.
According to Sportico’s latest WNBA franchise valuation report, the Liberty is now valued at $600 million, placing it second in the league.
This marks a considerable jump from just $200 million in June 2024.
Following New York, the Golden State Valkyries hold the highest valuation at $850 million, making them the priciest women’s sports team globally.
Other notable valuations include the Indiana Fever at $560 million, the Seattle Storm at $425 million, and the Phoenix Mercury at $420 million, rounding out the top five.
The average franchise value across the league has also experienced a jump, increasing from $269 million last year to $427 million this year.
Sabrina Ionescu mentioned she hadn’t seen the report until practice on Friday, but she was not taken aback by the updated valuation.
“It’s amazing,” Ionescu remarked. “It shows the commitment from everyone—our organization, the fans, and the owners—to what we’re building. It takes a lot of people to make it happen, and it’s nice for everyone to see our value reflected like this.”
Bethnia Rainey Hamilton shared similar feelings, labeling the new valuation as “excellent.”
“The numbers speak for themselves,” she said. “We’re building—it’s only going to get better from here.”
Clara Wu Tsai, who acquired the team with her husband Joe in 2019, has been vocal about her ambitions, aiming for the Liberty to be the first women’s franchise to reach a $1 billion valuation within the next decade.
Sportico suggests that New York is already over halfway to that target.
Latest injury information
Jonquel Jones missed practice on Friday due to illness, according to coach Chris DeMarco.
Meanwhile, Sato Sabally, who had been sidelined for a training program, is back with the team. The Liberty are being cautious with her, as she has missed a significant portion of the offseason due to concussion issues. Sabally returned to basketball activities in March but didn’t participate in last week’s preseason opener against the Fever.
“We’re focusing on her recovery right now,” DeMarco said, adding that he expects Sabally to play in Sunday’s final preseason match against Connecticut. “This is just part of the process.”
Other players like Laney Hamilton and Rebecca Allen are in gradual preparations for the upcoming season, with both participating minimally in Friday’s practice.
“We’re just making sure we’re on track,” said Hamilton, who missed last season following knee surgery.
DeMarco noted that Allen is still in rehab and hasn’t fully returned to practice but is “making progress toward her goals.” However, she won’t be playing on Sunday.
