How to build a billion-dollar sports team from scratch, with Golden State Valkyries’ Jess Smith

0:00The WBA is 31 years old, right?

0:03So it's taken a lot of ups and downs to get it here.

0:06But what you're seeing that's different is investment.

0:08When so many people are asking why is it working, you have to have capital.

0:12You can think you're going to do great things, and if you don't have capital, you're going to miss the mark.

0:17Someone who is at the forefront of the revolution happening right now in women's professional sports.

0:22Please welcome the newest WNBA team president.

0:26Jeff Smith, the president of the WNBA Golden State Ball Greens, Jess Smith.

0:30When you showed up on day one, what'd you do?

0:34Paniced.

0:35Like, I'm the momentum.

0:36I have to figure this out and direct us where to go in a year and a half time until we tip off.

0:42The most fun part of that equation is the generational fandom.

0:45You know, here in the Bay Area, you know, I have two young girls.

0:48They're five and seven.

0:49And they will know nothing different than a chase center that's packed for the Warriors and packed for the Valkyries.

0:55Hey, folks, Jeff Berman here.

0:56Before we dive into today's episode, I'm talking with a very special guest, my friend Jamie Batmer, Chief Investment Officer of Creative Planning, one of the largest independent wealth management firms in the country, a sponsor of Masters of Scale, and a truly exceptional company.