The New York Liberty are one of many eight authentic franchises of the WNBA, which was based in 1997. Regardless of being a mainstay of the league, the Liberty did not win a WNBA championship till 2024. The staff made historical past that season, and the franchise is as soon as once more hitting the document books—this time for an off-the-court transfer.
Staff house owners Joe Tsai and Clara Wu Tsai simply bought a minority stake within the staff. Although the overall quantity is undisclosed, the share is reported to be price within the “mid-teens.” The deal values the Liberty at $450 million—the highest-ever valuation for a ladies’s professional sports activities franchise.
After the sale, the Tsais will use the cash to construct a 75,000-square-foot observe facility in Brooklyn for the Liberty. The staff has performed within the Barclays Middle since 2019, sharing a house with the Brooklyn Nets—who’re additionally majority-owned by the Tsais.
From left to proper, the New York Liberty’s Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Natasha Cloud have a good time a giant play.
The Tsais purchased the Liberty six years in the past for between $10 million and $14 million. That makes the Liberty price between 32 and 45 occasions greater than what they final bought for.
This sale reveals simply how worthwhile the WNBA has turn into. Though early seasons of the league struggled because it discovered its footing, it is continued to develop in recognition, particularly within the post-COVID period. NBA gamers are frequently exhibiting extra help, as properly. Stephen Curry had a legendary shootout with Sabrina Ionescu throughout the 2024 All-Star Sport, whereas Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton sat courtside at an Indiana Fever recreation to help Caitlin Clark and Co. throughout his day without work within the Japanese Convention Finals.
The Liberty have been one of many highlights of the league throughout the current growth. Ionescu and Breanna Stewart, two of the league’s greatest stars, headline the roster. And the Liberty have constructed off the success of final season with a scorching begin this 12 months, too. Might a budding dynasty be within the works?
If the Liberty do handle to repeat, it will solely enhance their worth—and the eye on them.