There’s been a marked increase in WNBA betting odds at the BetMGM online sportsbook over the last few years. Has increased popularity helped the league become profitable?
Has the WNBA Ever Turned a Profit?
Yes, the WNBA made enough profit in 2025 to trigger revenue sharing. The exact amount of profit has not been publicly reported, but it’s clear the league is in a much healthier position financially than it has been.
From its inception in 1997, the WNBA had to wait until 2010 for its first “cash-flow positive” team with the Connecticut Sun. Three teams were profitable in 2011, and six in 2013.
An 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal that began in 2026 helped push the league into profitability for the first time in its history.
Does the NBA Still Subsidize the WNBA?
Yes, the NBA still subsidizes the WNBA.
The NBA owns 42% of the WNBA. WNBA franchise owners hold 42%, with the remaining 16% held by private investors.
The NBA has covered key costs, such as league operations, marketing, broadcasting infrastructure, and administrative staff.
The WNBA is working towards self-sufficiency, raising $75 million in private capital from Nike, Condoleezza Rice, and Joe Tsai in 2022, securing a lucrative media rights deal, expanding the league by adding new teams, increasing merchandise and ticket sales, and bringing in more fans.
How Much Money Does the WNBA Lose Per Year?
Before becoming profitable in 2025, the WNBA generally lost around $10 million per year. In 2024, losses were around $40 million.
Part of the reason the loss was bigger in 2024 was the $25 million cost of charter flights.
The losses have totalled at least $280 million since 1997.
WNBA Odds at BetMGM in Canada
BetMGM provides WNBA odds throughout the year, from offseason markets to in-season moneylines through to the final buzzer of the WNBA Finals.
From live odds on gameday to futures wagers for stars on the Toronto Tempo, WNBA betting is available year-round at the BetMGM online sportsbook in Canada.
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