Commanders’ Wagner buys stake in WNBA’s Seattle Storm

Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner became the first active NFL player to own a stake in a WNBA franchise on Wednesday.

The 10-time Pro Bowler joined the ownership group with the Seattle Storm, the team announced. 

Wagner played 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before signing with the Commanders ahead of the 2024 season.

“Bobby is a hometown hero who has had an immeasurable impact on the Seattle community,” said Lisa Brummel, a co-owner of the Storm. “He shares our desire to grow the game and knows the value and importance of investing in women’s sports. As we continue to build on the incredible legacy of the Storm franchise, we are excited to add Bobby’s experience and expertise to the mix.” 

The Storm have won four WNBA titles in their 25-year history. Earlier this year, the franchise was ranked by Forbes as the third most valuable in the league. 

“I’m really excited to be a part of the growth and stay connected to the community I love,” Wagner said after the Commanders’ first practice of training camp on Wednesday. 

The 35-year-old has served as his own agent for more than five years and has routinely encouraged other players to explore business ventures before their playing careers end. 

“You have this middleman that is taking care of everything for a long time,” Wagner said. “When guys retire, that middleman kind of goes away. And the sport that you play, or that endorsement that you had your whole career, you never took the time to understand how that business is running.”

Wagner is enrolled in an online MBA program at Howard University and expects to graduate by the end of the year. Joining the WNBA is more than a business venture, though. 

“It’s about investing in a legacy of excellence, empowering women and continuing to elevate the game for future generations,” he said. 

The 11-time All-Pro said he was largely inspired by NBA Hall of Famers Magic Johnson, a mentor, and the late Kobe Bryant. 

“He was definitely a guy I ran this idea across before I made the decision,” Wagner said of Johnson, whose ownership portfolio includes the Commanders and MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers. “He was a huge help because he’s done it at a high level.”

Johnson was the sounding board, but Bryant was the inspiration. 

Bryant, a former superstar with the Los Angeles Lakers, was a key proponent for women’s basketball before his death in 2020. 

“It was almost like trying to pick up where he left off,” Wagner said. “I’m not him whatsoever, but I think women’s sports are amazing. I have daughters; I have sisters. It’s important to be a part of the right side of history.”

WNBA valuations have skyrocketed in recent years as the league attracts legions of new fans. The average team is now worth $269 million, according to Sportico, a 180% spike from last year.

The league’s revenue and franchise values are expected to grow as an 11-year, $2.2 billion media rights deal takes effect next season.