WNBA teams lead the way in social media engagement among pro sports teams

The GIST: Earlier this month, Sports Business Journal shared data from sponsorship analytics platform Blinkfire on social media engagement among professional North American sports teams. Eight of the top 10 are WNBA teams, led by the Dallas Wings, Indiana Fever, and Golden State Valkyries.

• While the Wings and Fever have flourished thanks to stars Paige Bueckers and Caitlin Clark, the Valkyries have managed to build hype through their front office magic. Believe it.

The Paige Bueckers effect: Since the Wings drafted Bueckers in April, the team has seen increased ticket and merch sales, along with a boost in social media following. Bueckers also made the All-Star roster as a rookie, boasts the third-largest Instagram following in the W, and despite graduating, remains a collegiate icon for UConn as the top-selling woman athlete in the NCAA in June.

The front office effect: Interestingly, the Valkyries have been able to build a top-valued team without a star in its first year as a franchise — a credit to the front office’s ability to land sponsorships and convert Bay Area fans. While the team is playing well, it seems the brand is the draw for Valkyries games, which have all been home sellouts with courtside seats going for NBA prices.

Zooming out: While all three teams are winning the social media game, there’s a difference between how the Wings and Valkyries are appealing to fans. Both paths are lucrative and should be shining models for other W teams to follow.

• Alternatively, teams like the NY Liberty have utilized buy-in from ownership and an award-winning front office to recruit a championship-caliber roster. With all these elements, including popular mascot Ellie the Elephant, the Liberty has finally unlocked a lucrative NYC market and beyond, making it the W’s second most-valued team. Up and away.