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Caitlin Clark's Fever Ranks 6th on 2024 WNBA Team Valuations, Angel Reese's Sky at 5 | News, Scores,

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - JUNE 16: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever looks on during a game against the Chicago Sky at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on June 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)Emilee Chinn/Getty Images

The Las Vegas Aces topped Sportico's inaugural list of the most valuable WNBA franchises.

The two-time reigning champions carry a $140 million valuation, according to the site's Kurt Badenhausen. The Seattle Storm are next on the list at $135 million, a little lower than where the Storm internally placed their value in 2023.

Kurt Badenhausen @kbadenhausen

Inaugural WNBA team valuations via <a href="https://twitter.com/Sportico?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Sportico</a>.<br><br>▪️ Average team worth $96M<br>▪️ Aces #1 at $140M; sold for $2M in 2021<br>▪️ Avg 2023 team revenue: $13.2M<br>▪️ Revenue range: $8.8M (Atlanta) to $18M (New York)<a href="https://t.co/n2Kdv6TFMj">https://t.co/n2Kdv6TFMj</a> <a href="https://t.co/nF60lxJwK9">pic.twitter.com/nF60lxJwK9</a>

In the case of the Chicago Sky and Indiana Fever, the arrival of star rookies has undoubtedly boosted their bottom lines.

The Sky, who selected Angel Reese and Kamilla Cardoso in the first round, are projected to be worth $95 million. The franchise has historically struggled to gain a foothold in the Windy City, its Candace Parker-led championship run in 2021 aside. However, local interest in the team began to soar shortly after the 2024 draft.

While the Sky are only 4-9 to open the season, they're building a passionate following with an exciting young roster.

Maggie Hendricks @maggiehendricks

It is LOUD at Wintrust. This is team is well loved. I don't know if they'll make the playoffs this season, but they have made Chicago love them.

The Sportico valuations also point to Caitlin Clark's wider effect on the Indiana Fever.

A sixth-place position in a 12-team league may not seem impressive, but Indianapolis isn't a major sports market purely in terms of size. The Indiana Pacers, by comparison, have the 20th-highest valuation among the 30 NBA teams.

The Fever have been perpetually moribund following Tamika Catchings' retirement after the 2016 playoffs, too, so they've lacked the kind of on-court success that could've improve their profile. They've yet to reach the playoffs since then and only twice have they notched double digits in wins.

In Clark and Aliyah Boston, Indiana has two cornerstones who can make the franchise a perennial postseason contender again and help raise its image away from the court.

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