WNBA Teams Were Valued at Zero. Now We're Betting on $1 Billion скачать в хорошем качестве

WNBA Teams Were Valued at Zero. Now We're Betting on $1 Billion

A masterclass on women's sports as an asset class from two of the most active investors in the space. Nic Barlage (CEO, Rock Entertainment Group) breaks down the numbers behind Cleveland's WNBA expansion bet, while Kara Nortman (Managing Partner, Monarch Collective) explains how she built the first $250M women's sports fund before anyone believed the market existed. From WNBA teams valued at "zero or less" just years ago to projections of $1 billion franchises by the mid-2030s, this conversation covers the investment thesis, the community playbook, and why women's sports might ultimately be bigger than men's. Key topics: • WNBA growth: 598% attendance since 2021, 28% YoY in 2024-25 • The "10,000 people, 12 times a year" math for building a P&L • Why only 7% of new fans overlap with men's teams • $1.1 billion in community investment as competitive advantage • Why women control 80% of consumer spend • The case for women's sports outgrowing men's sports Speakers: • Nic Barlage, CEO, Rock Entertainment Group • Kara Nortman, Managing Partner, Monarch Collective • Jason Kelly, Host & Executive Producer, "The Deal" Bloomberg (Moderator) Timestamps: 0:00 Introduction 3:41 598% growth and the path to $1 billion franchises 5:12 "WNBA teams were valued at zero — or less" 7:05 "You need 10,000 people to show up 12 times a year" 8:38 "This is a 30-year-old startup" 18:07 "Sports is socially acceptable tribalism" 20:41 Only 7% overlap with men's teams — it's a new fan base Recorded at Global Alts Miami 2026 | Presented by iConnections -- Welcome to iConnections—where the alternative investment industry comes to connect, learn, and grow. iConnections’ Global Alts is the world’s largest cap intro event, hosted at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This premier gathering features insights from top minds in investment, finance, and economics, while giving attendees exclusive access to the global alternative investment community. But we’re more than just events. iConnections is a platform built to connect allocators, managers, and the alternative investment industry year-round. Through innovative technology and curated connections, we make it easier than ever to network, schedule meetings, and grow your business—all in one place. Join us as we transform the way the alternative investment world connects and collaborates. Let’s shape the future of the industry together. Discover iConnections Today: Learn more about our platform: https://www.iconnections.io Stay connected through our social channels: LinkedIn:   / 53118918   Twitter:   / iconnections_io   Instagram:   / iconnections_io