Houston lands a WNBA franchise, and experts say the economic ripple effect could be massive
- Carrie Potter
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Thank you Ron Trevino and KHOU 11 for including my take on the potential economic impact created by the Fertitta family's acquisition of the WNBA (Women's National Basketball Association) Connecticut Sun. Some additional financial insights:
☄️ The $300M acquisition price is astounding. In 2021, the Atlanta Dream were purchased in a distress sale for about $10M. In 2017, MGM purchased the San Antonio Stars for $2M and relocated the team to Las Vegas. The Connecticut Sun were previously purchased by the Mohegan Tribe in 2003 from Orlando for somewhere between $7M and $10M.
☄️This deal should not be confused with expansion team deals. The $300M will be paid to the Mohegan Tribe. Expansion fees are paid to the WNBA who retains fees/expenses, then distributes the fee among current team owners to compensate 'theoretically' for diluting their ownership stake. In 2024, there were 12 WNBA teams, the Golden State Valkyries made it 13 in 2025, and Toronto and Portland will make it 15 this year.
☄️ Expansion fees paid in 2025 by Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia were $250M each. In 2024, Portland paid $125M and Toronto paid $115M. Golden State paid $50M in 2023.
☄️ The conversation in professional sports today is profitability vs. franchise valuation (appreciation). We used to focus on profit maximization vs. win maximization in sport finance. It is a dangerous game to lose sight of profitability, as the valuation pay-off monetizes only at sale. In 2025, revenue among WNBA teams ranged from $11M-$70M with the league average around $23M. With a new media rights deal, increased ticket sales, and expanded partnerships, the anticipation is significant growth.
☄️ The Houston Comets won the first four WNBA Championships when the season was 28-32 games. When looking at the potential economic impact, the season length is important. In 2025, the season expanded to 44 games from 40 with the expectation that the season will expand to 50 in 2027 and 52 in 2029. When the Comets return, they will bring 25 home games to the Toyota Center and downtown Houston driving a very positive economic impact.
☄️Secure your spot on the 2027 Season Ticket waitlist now by visiting www.houstoncomets.com.