Obviously that headline is a bit snarky, pointing out that the WNBA has been a money-sucking venture for many years now, but holy cow. Holy cow!
According to an exclusive report from the New York Post, the league is apparently set to lose a staggering $40 million this season. This, despite having by far their most popular season.
The newspaper interviewed several NBA executives who are growing “impatient” with the league’s inability to generate revenue.
The WNBA has reportedly lost money each year that it has been in existence. In fact, the league’s survival has been completely contingent on the NBA subsidizing them.
Now, owners, having seen the interest generated – ticket sales, ratings – by the rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, want some results. Some bottom line results.
“The WNBA owes the NBA so much we won’t see any windfall for years,” one top executive complains adding, “We are not even getting any money from WNBA expansion fees.”
“Caitlin Clark raised interest in the WNBA but it is still going to lose $40 million this season,” the Post reports.
Better Than Had Been Forecast
I mean, if you’re a glass-half-full type of personality, then you can look at the $40 million loss as $10 million better than had been forecast earlier in the season.
Indeed, it was just last month that the Washington Post reported the WNBA and its teams were projected to lose around $50 million this year, keeping them very much in the red.
The question that arises – How is this possible? Ratings and ticket sales are through the roof, attaining historical highs this season as fans flocked in person and at home to watch a once-in-a-generation talent in Clark.
And you’re ONLY going to lose $40 million?
RELATED: Angel Reese Trashes WNBA Salary, Says League Isn’t Paying Enough To Cover Her $8,000/Month Rent
The WNBA Has Some Serious Problems
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert should be feeling the heat. But she does have some good news to share. Earlier in the season, it was announced that the WNBA was quadrupling revenue via a $2.2 billion media rights deal.
The Post though, even indicates that the revenue from that deal is being blunted by the fact that A) That doesn’t start until the 2026 season and B) A looming contract strike and the likelihood that player salaries, laughably low at the present, will have to see a significant jump.
The WNBA is already seeing competition from the outside, particularly in the form of the Unrivaled 3-on-3 professional women’s basketball league that begins play in January 2025.
The league, co-founded by WNBA superstars Napheesa Collier of the Minnesota Lynx and Breanna Stewart of the New York Liberty, promises to pay the highest average salary in women’s professional sports league history.
If the WNBA doesn’t sweeten the pot for players, why wouldn’t they just give their all to this new league or other outside projects? Clark and Reese are already evidence that the best way for female basketball players to make money is through endorsements and projects such as podcasts – not through play on the court.
Another aspect to consider? The treatment of Caitlin Clark and her fans.
When Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were leading the NBA, they were celebrated, and their fans were given the content that they wanted. Same when Michael Jordan was the face of basketball.
Instead, the WNBA can’t get a handle on jealous players in the league who are either denigrating Clark or actively trying to injure her. And they keep slamming her fans as racist. There’s a bit of that craziness on both sides of the argument, it’s not exclusive to Fever fans.
They should be lifting Clark up as the face of the league. She is the league’s cash cow and needs to be handled as such.
If they play their cards just right, the WNBA might only lose $30 million next year.
More about:WNBA News
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