The WNBA is set to expand, welcoming three new teams in the coming years. Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia will join the league by 2030, bringing the total number of teams to 18. Cleveland will kick off its season in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approval from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors.
Next year, Toronto and Portland will also enter the league, marking a significant growth phase for the WNBA. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the expansion, highlighting the growing demand for women’s basketball. She noted that this move reflects the league’s momentum and the increasing interest in women’s professional sports.
Each of the new teams has NBA ownership and paid a hefty expansion fee of $250 million. This amount is significantly higher than what was paid for some previous teams. The new franchises will invest further in their communities by building practice facilities and enhancing local sports infrastructure.
Cleveland and Detroit have a history with the WNBA, having housed teams in the past. Philadelphia was once home to an ABL team. Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores celebrated the return of the WNBA to his city, emphasizing Detroit’s rich basketball history and the positive impact this expansion will have on the community.
The new teams will play in existing NBA arenas, but Philadelphia plans to construct a new venue, expected to be completed by 2031. The ownership groups are considering names from the past, like the Cleveland Rockers and Detroit Shock, but they want to engage with fans before making a final decision.
This expansion will create new rivalries, especially with Detroit and Cleveland being geographically close. The league aims to tap into the strong basketball culture in these cities, which have existing rivalries in the NBA.
Other cities like St. Louis, Austin, and Miami expressed interest in joining the WNBA but were not selected. Engelbert mentioned that the demand for teams was higher than anticipated during the selection process, leading to careful consideration of team placements.
Overall, the WNBA is experiencing a surge in popularity, with increasing attendance and television ratings. The league is focused on building a bright future for women’s basketball, creating role models, and fostering community engagement through these new teams.