The Washington Mystics are one of the WNBA’s original franchises and have been closely connected to Washington’s NBA ownership groups throughout their history. Since entering the league in 1998, the franchise has benefited from long-term ownership stability and significant investment in women’s basketball. Abe Pollin and Washington Sports Ownership (1998–2010) […]
WNBA Team Owners
Learn about the owners and ownership groups behind every WNBA franchise. Our WNBA Team Owners category explores team ownership histories, current investors, franchise acquisitions, and the executives and entrepreneurs helping drive the growth of women’s professional basketball. Find detailed profiles of each team’s ownership structure and how it has changed throughout the league’s history.
Seattle Storm Owner History
The Seattle Storm have been one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises since entering the league in 2000. The team’s ownership history includes a pivotal transition that ensured professional women’s basketball remained in Seattle after the departure of the NBA’s SuperSonics. Howard Schultz and SuperSonics Ownership Group (2000–2006) The Seattle […]
Phoenix Mercury Owner History
The Phoenix Mercury are one of the WNBA’s original franchises and have been among the league’s most successful teams since their debut in 1997. Throughout their history, the franchise has had relatively few ownership changes, benefiting from long periods of stability and investment. Jerry Colangelo and the Phoenix Suns Ownership […]
New York Liberty Owner History
The New York Liberty are one of the WNBA’s original franchises and among the league’s most recognizable teams. Since their founding in 1997, the franchise has experienced only a handful of ownership changes, with each era helping shape the growth of women’s professional basketball in New York. Madison Square Garden […]
Minnesota Lynx Owner History
The Minnesota Lynx are one of the WNBA’s most successful franchises, winning multiple championships and establishing a dynasty during the 2010s. Since joining the league in 1999, the team has benefited from stable ownership closely tied to the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves. Glen Taylor (1999–2025) The Minnesota Lynx were founded in […]
Los Angeles Sparks Owner History
The Los Angeles Sparks are one of the WNBA’s original franchises and have been among the league’s most successful teams since their debut in 1997. Over the years, the franchise has transitioned through several ownership groups while maintaining a strong presence in the Los Angeles sports landscape. Jerry Buss and […]
Las Vegas Aces Owner History
The Las Vegas Aces franchise has experienced several ownership changes and relocations since entering the WNBA in 1997. Originally founded as the Utah Starzz, the organization has evolved into one of the league’s premier franchises, winning multiple championships under its current ownership. Utah Starzz Ownership Group (1997–2002) The franchise began […]
Indiana Fever Owner History
The Indiana Fever have been one of the WNBA’s most stable franchises since joining the league in 2000. Throughout their history, the team has remained under the ownership of the same organization that also controls the NBA’s Indiana Pacers, providing continuity and long-term support. Herb Simon and Pacers Sports & […]
Golden State Valkyries Owner History
The Golden State Valkyries are one of the newest franchises in the WNBA, joining the league as an expansion team in 2025. Unlike many WNBA teams that have changed hands over the years, the Valkyries have been owned by the same organization since their inception. Joe Lacob, Peter Guber, and […]
Dallas Wings Owner History
The Dallas Wings franchise has undergone several ownership changes and relocations since joining the WNBA in 1998. Originally founded as the Detroit Shock, the team has won multiple championships across different cities while evolving under a series of ownership groups. Detroit Shock Ownership Group (1998–2009) The franchise was established in […]
Connecticut Sun Owner History
The Connecticut Sun hold a unique place in WNBA history as the first team in the league to be owned by a Native American tribe. Since relocating to Connecticut in 2003, the franchise enjoyed more than two decades of stable ownership before being sold and relocated to Houston. Orlando Miracle […]
Chicago Sky Owner History
The Chicago Sky joined the WNBA as an expansion franchise in 2006 and have been owned by only a small number of individuals and groups throughout their history. Stability at the ownership level has helped the franchise grow into one of the league’s most successful organizations. Michael Alter (2006–Present) The […]
Atlanta Dream Owner History
The Atlanta Dream entered the WNBA as an expansion franchise in 2008 and have experienced several ownership changes throughout their history. Each ownership group has played a role in shaping the team’s growth, culminating in a new era focused on long-term success both on and off the court. Ron Terwilliger […]