Rejected 250M WNBA Offer? Owners of the Valkyries, Peter Guber and Joe Lacob, Respond in a Way That Upends Women’s Basketball It was evident that the WNBA was serious about acquiring its newest team when it reportedly made an astounding $250 million offer for the Golden State Valkyries.
The twist? Only after Mohegan Sun, the owner of the Connecticut Sun, rejected an earlier league bid did that number become public. The subsequent statement has swiftly emerged as one of the most audacious in women’s professional sports.
Instead of simply dismissing the WNBA’s offer, Golden State Valkyries owners Joe Lacob and Peter Guber responded with a statement that emphasized their aspirations and faith in the Bay Area’s newest team. They claim that the Valkyries are not for sale at any cost. Although it’s a bold position, it is entirely consistent with Lacob and Guber’s history.
As co-owners of the NBA’s Golden State Warriors, they have already turned a mediocre team into a multibillion-dollar global force. They see the Valkyries as more than just another team; they are a cultural investment, a long-term vision, and a pillar of women’s basketball’s future.
Raising the bar for the women’s game has been a point of contention for Lacob in particular. He has stated time and time again that he wants the Valkyries to be the model team, complete with cutting-edge facilities and player support comparable to that of NBA players. Therefore, refusing a $250 million check is a declaration rather than merely a sign of defiance.
The message is straightforward: the market has underestimated the Valkyries’ true value. Bay Area fans are already on board. The excitement surrounding the Valkyries is strikingly similar to the Warriors’ ascent ten years ago, home games have been selling out, and the team’s branding is everywhere from Oakland to San Francisco.
Meanwhile, the WNBA is currently in a fascinating position. The league’s enormous offer, on the one hand, shows that they believe in the Valkyries’ abilities. On the other hand, the rejection demonstrates how rapidly the women’s basketball industry is evolving. As of right now, Lacob and Guber have made it very apparent that the Valkyries are not a resource to be exploited. They are creating a legacy.
