Pricey NFL, NBA ownership stakes are pushing investors to smaller leagues and driving valuations higher

Trinity Rodman #2 of Washington Spirit evades Sarah Schupansky #11 of Gotham FC during the NWSL Championship 2025 final between Washington Spirit and NJ/NY Gotham FC at PayPal Park on November 22, 2025 in San Jose, California. Lyndsay Radnedge/isi Photos | Isi Photos | Getty Images A version of this article first appeared in the CNBC Sport newsletter with Alex Sherman, which brings you the biggest news and exclusive interviews from the worlds of sports business and media.