Valkyries reach record $100M in annual revenue as world's most valuable women's sports franchise

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The Golden State Valkyries have become the first professional women's sports team to generate $100 million in annual revenue, adding another milestone to a season that has drawn sold-out crowds and helped make the franchise the most valuable team in not just the WNBA, but across all of women's sports.

The Valkyries will face the Atlanta Dream in the WNBA Finals, with Game 1 scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Chase Center, where fans have packed the arena throughout the season.

Among them is Jennifer Ling of Foster City, a season-ticket holder who said she has spent heavily supporting the team.

"My wallet doesn't love me right now. I came here to get some finals merch," Ling said.

Ling said she has spent more than $1,000 on the team over the past two years.

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A supporter since the franchise's launch, Ling said, "I was really stoked to be a part of something special."

Fans say the Valkyries' success extends beyond the court.

"I have an 8-year-old daughter. To see her excitement around this is awesome," fan Dalan McNabola said.

The team's business performance has also drawn attention. This year, the Valkyries became the first professional women's sports team to generate $100 million in annual revenue. According to Sportico, the franchise is valued at $850 million, an astonishing number in just their second year that puts them at the top of all women's sports teams.

"It is super exciting, especially for an expansion team to do this in year two is incredible," McNabola said.

Sports columnist Bruce Jenkins said the Valkyries have become a model for the league and for women's sports more broadly.

"This is what the WNBA has always wanted to be and it is right here. And they are setting the standard," Jenkins said.

Nola Agha, a professor of sport management at the University of San Francisco, said the franchise's success is rooted in strong leadership and execution.

"They have an amazing ownership group and they have an amazing president who know how to monetize and who know how to run a really professional franchise," Agha said.

"They're hiring great coaches, great players, and they know how to win," she added.

Agha also credited the team's devoted fan base.

"This team is tapping into a fan base that's never had the opportunity to purchase tickets to an exciting game, to an exciting product," Agha said. "There's lots of excited fans in women's basketball."

With sold-out crowds at Chase Center, the Valkyries continue to draw enthusiastic support as they prepare for the WNBA FInals.