Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
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The Golden State Valkyries may as well be in Valhalla (or Ballhalla, as they call it). Shortly after the team shared its season two promotional campaign, CNBC deemed the Valks a billion-dollar franchise — the first in women’s sports history. That’s no accident. Valkyries president Jess Smith and her team have been busy building a juggernaut brand — and in a region full of fervent fans and powerful sponsors, that becomes a billion-dollar pursuit. Last month, we spoke with Smith about the strategies she’s implemented to reach this pinnacle, as well as what’s going to keep the club climbing in year two.
May 15, 2026
The Dallas Wings are shooting their shotThe Dallas Wings are shooting their shot
The Dallas Wings are shooting their shot
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This year, the Dallas Wings got lucky again. They landed back-to-back No. 1 overall picks, first choosing Paige Bueckers in 2025, then Bueckers’ former teammate Azzi Fudd just a month ago. (The pair are an item on and off the court, but don’t ask the club about it.) In April, we chatted with Wings CEO Greg Bibb about how the team has flourished under his tenure and the hype around the Dallas market, for W fans and brands alike. Everything’s bigger in Texas, after all.
May 09, 2026
Sportico, CNBC share differing WNBA valuations that both prove rising value of the leagueSportico, CNBC share differing WNBA valuations that both prove rising value of the league
Sportico, CNBC share differing WNBA valuations that both prove rising value of the league
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May 05, 2026
Over the weekend, both Sportico and CNBC shared their estimated valuations for all WNBA teams. While both outlets came to the same conclusion — the Golden State Valkyries are the highest-valued team — they ended up with different calculations, likely because CNBC included the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire and Sportico did not. Let’s crunch the numbers.
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 The hoops and the happenings ahead of WNBA All-Star Weekend The hoops and the happenings ahead of WNBA All-Star Weekend

Ready to get your game on and go play? So are the WNBA’s best. That’s why on today’s episode of The GIST of It, co-hosts Steph Rotz and Lauren Tuiskula are going all in on All-Star Weekend, breaking down the on-court action and putting their crystal balls to the test. And because it’s the WNBA — the spiciest league in sports — there’s some tea to spill, too. Let’s hoop to it.

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