The Golden State Valkyries have done it again. For the second straight year, the WNBA's newest franchise has been named the league's most valuable team, according to Sportico. And the numbers are staggering.

After debuting with a valuation of $500 million in 2025, the Valkyries have seen that figure skyrocket to $850 million in 2026. That's a 70% jump in just one season, and it's a clear sign that the WNBA's financial momentum shows no signs of slowing down.

The Valkyries aren't alone in their rise. The New York Liberty, ranked second, saw their valuation climb from $420 million to $600 million. The Indiana Fever, sitting at No. 3, jumped from $335 million to $560 million. Across the league, franchise valuations are up 59% from 2025, per Sportico.

But not every team is riding the same wave. The Las Vegas Aces, who topped the list in 2024, have slipped to sixth place this season. That's a surprising drop for a team that reached the semifinals in 2024 and won another championship last year. It's a reminder that on-court success doesn't always translate to the highest valuation.

The Valkyries' story is one of the most compelling in sports. In their inaugural season, they won 23 games and made a surprising playoff appearance. Kayla Thornton earned her first All-Star nod, while Veronica Burton took home Most Improved Player honors—and even received down-ballot MVP votes. Their playoff run ended in the first round against the Minnesota Lynx, but the foundation is clearly in place for something special.

As the 2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Golden State. If they can build on that debut success and make a deeper postseason run, don't be surprised to see them atop this list again next year.