Fact Check: Is wnba losing money?

Is the WNBA Losing Money?

The claim that the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is losing money has been circulating, particularly in light of recent reports suggesting significant financial losses for the league. This article examines the available evidence surrounding the WNBA's financial status, focusing on claims of a projected $40 million loss in the 2024 season.

What We Know

1. Projected Losses: According to a report by SportsPro, the WNBA is expected to lose approximately $40 million in the 2024 season. This projection has raised concerns among NBA investors who have been financially supporting the league, as they reportedly have not seen returns on their investments and are growing impatient with the league's financial trajectory [2].

2. Revenue Estimates: A recent valuation report from Sportico indicates that the total revenue for the WNBA in 2025 is expected to reach $70 million, which is a significant increase compared to previous years. However, the report also notes that while team values are increasing, the league has been experiencing losses with minimal revenue growth, suggesting that the financial health of the league remains precarious [5].

3. Attendance and Engagement: The WNBA has seen improvements in attendance and fan engagement, with some teams reporting record attendance figures. For instance, the Indiana Fever reportedly led the league in revenue and attendance in the previous season, with an estimated $32 million in revenue and an average attendance of 17,000 per game [7]. This indicates that while some teams may be performing well, the overall financial picture for the league may still be troubling.

4. Official Statements: The WNBA's official website does not provide specific financial data regarding losses or profits, focusing instead on team schedules, player statistics, and league news [1][3][4]. This lack of transparency makes it challenging to assess the league's financial health directly from its official communications.

Analysis

The claim that the WNBA is losing money is supported by reports from credible sources, such as SportsPro and Sportico. However, the context of these claims is crucial. The projected loss of $40 million is significant, but it is essential to understand the underlying factors contributing to this financial situation.

Source Evaluation

• SportsPro: This source is generally credible, focusing on sports business news. However, it is essential to consider that reports on financial losses can sometimes be sensationalized to attract attention [2].

• Sportico: Known for its detailed financial analyses of sports leagues, Sportico provides a comprehensive overview of the WNBA's revenue and valuation trends. However, it is important to note that financial projections can vary widely based on market conditions and league management decisions [5].

• Forbes: This outlet often covers sports business topics and provides valuable insights into team valuations and revenue. Their assessments typically rely on data analysis and market research, which adds credibility to their claims [7].

Conflicts of Interest

While the sources cited above are generally reliable, it is important to consider potential conflicts of interest. For instance, reports from entities with financial stakes in the league may present a biased view of its financial health. Additionally, the WNBA's relationship with the NBA could influence how financial data is reported, as the NBA has a vested interest in the league's success.

Methodological Concerns

The methodology behind financial projections can vary significantly. For example, if the projections are based on historical data without accounting for recent changes in fan engagement or sponsorship deals, they may not accurately reflect the current situation. More detailed financial disclosures from the WNBA would be beneficial in assessing the accuracy of these projections.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The evidence supports the claim that the WNBA is projected to lose money, with credible reports indicating an expected loss of approximately $40 million in the 2024 season. This projection is corroborated by analyses from reputable sources like SportsPro and Sportico, which highlight the league's financial struggles despite some improvements in attendance and revenue for individual teams.

However, it is important to contextualize this information. While the projected losses are significant, they reflect broader challenges within the league, including limited revenue growth and ongoing reliance on financial support from NBA investors. Additionally, the lack of transparency from the WNBA regarding its financial data complicates a full understanding of its financial health.

There are limitations to the available evidence, including potential biases in reporting and the variability of financial projections based on market conditions. As such, while the claim is substantiated, it is essential for readers to approach this information critically and consider the broader context of the WNBA's financial landscape.

Readers are encouraged to evaluate information independently and remain aware of the complexities surrounding financial claims in sports leagues.

Sources

1. Official Home of the WNBA | Women's National Basketball Association. WNBA Official Site
2. WNBA to lose 'US$40m' in 2024 season, NBA won't see returns 'for years'. SportsPro
3. WNBA Schedule - Games, Scores & Events. WNBA Schedule
4. WNBA - Women's National Basketball Association Teams, Scores, Stats. ESPN WNBA
5. WNBA Team Values 2025: Valkyries No. 1 at $500M. Sportico
6. WNBA Stats. WNBA Stats
7. The WNBA's Most Valuable Teams 2025. Forbes