LeBron James and Stephen Curry explore WNBA ownership as league popularity soars

Oluwatosin Racheal Alabi -

Key Points

  • LeBron James and Stephen Curry are exploring opportunities to own WNBA teams, highlighting the league's increasing appeal.
  • Jayson Tatum is part of a bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to St. Louis, collaborating with billionaires Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman.
  • The WNBA plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028, with new franchises in Golden State, Toronto, and Portland already announced.

LeBron James and Stephen Curry have voiced their interest in owning Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) teams, highlighting a broader trend of NBA stars investing in women’s sports. James, who has long expressed ambitions to own an NBA team in Las Vegas, is now also considering opportunities in the WNBA. Similarly, Curry has shown interest in expanding his ownership portfolio to include both NBA and WNBA teams.

This shift is supported by changes in the NBA's collective bargaining agreement, allowing players to own up to four percent of an independent WNBA franchise. Jayson Tatum, another NBA star, has joined a bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to his hometown of St. Louis, further demonstrating the growing crossover between NBA players and WNBA investments.

St. Louis among top contenders for WNBA expansion

St. Louis has emerged as a strong candidate for WNBA expansion, led by billionaire investors Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman, with support from Jayson Tatum. The team would be based at Chaifetz Arena at Saint Louis University, a premier venue that could serve as the cornerstone of a new sports legacy in the city.

The competition for new WNBA teams is fierce, with cities like Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia also in contention. The expansion plan aligns with the WNBA’s goal of growing from 12 to 16 teams by 2028, with franchises already announced in Golden State (2025), Toronto (2026), and Portland (2026).

Rising value of women’s sports franchises

The estimated $200-million price tag for a new WNBA team reflects the league’s rising financial value, fueled by increasing viewership, sponsorship deals, and a growing fanbase. The involvement of high-profile NBA figures like James and Curry not only elevates the WNBA’s visibility but also underscores its potential as a lucrative investment opportunity.

A boost for the WNBA and women's sports

As influential athletes like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Jayson Tatum lend their support to WNBA expansion efforts, the league is poised for a new era of growth. Their participation underscores the increasing recognition of women’s sports as a valuable and sustainable market, with significant potential for long-term success.

This convergence of NBA star power and WNBA expansion ambitions highlights a broader shift in the sports industry, where women’s leagues are emerging as central to the future of professional athletics.