WNBA on expansion trail to 18 teams

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The WNBA women’s basketball league is adding three new teams to its roster to make up a record 18 franchises.

NPR said Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit joins in 2029 and Philadelphia will tip off in 2030.

The WNBA has 15 existing squads — including the Golden State Valkyries, which started this year and two more expansion teams previously added for next season: Toronto, Canada and Portland, Oregon.

The WNBA said, “Each location was selected based on an analysis of market viability, committed long-term ownership groups, potential for significant local fan, corporate, media, and city and state support, arena and practice facilities, and community commitment to advancing the sport, among other factors.”

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is a women’s professional basketball league based in the United States. The league comprises 15 teams. It is considered the premier professional women’s basketball league in the world. The WNBA is headquartered in Midtown Manhattan.

The expansion comes in the league’s 29th year, following its best-ever season during which it set records for viewership, attendance and merchandise sales.

The WNBA was buoyed by phenom Caitlin Clark, who has energized the league and is part of a new crop of stars including Angel Reese, Paige Bueckers, Kiki Iriafen and Aneesah Morrow.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said, “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family.

“This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.

“I am deeply grateful for our new owners and ownership groups – Dan Gilbert in Cleveland, Tom Gores in Detroit, and Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, and Brian Roberts in Philadelphia – for their belief in the WNBA’s future and their commitment to building thriving teams that will energize and inspire their communities.

“We are excited for what these cities will bring to the league – and are confident that these new teams will reshape the landscape of women’s basketball.”

Cleveland’s Gilbert said, “The WNBA’s return to Cleveland marks a pivotal moment for women’s sports. Years from now, we will reflect on this day as a truly monumental point in Cleveland sports history. The passion, support and continued commitment of our fans and community for our professional sports teams played an essential role in making this possible.”

Detroit Pistons Owner and Platinum Equity Chairman Tom Gores, who led the WNBA bid and will be the controlling owner of the new franchise, added, “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition.

“Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights. Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”

The addition of these three new teams is subject to WNBA and the NBA Boards of Governors approval.

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