NEW YORK — The Women’s National Basketball Association is embarking on an ambitious expansion plan that will increase its number of teams to 18 over the next five years, introducing new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030. The announcement marks a significant milestone for the league as it seeks to capitalize on growing interest in women’s professional basketball.
Cleveland is set to launch its team in 2028, followed by Detroit a year later, and Philadelphia in 2030, contingent upon approval from the governing bodies of the NBA and WNBA. In addition, the league will welcome teams from Toronto and Portland in the upcoming season, adding to its geographical diversity.
“This expansion reflects not only our league’s growth but also the increasing enthusiasm for women’s basketball,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We are excited to embrace Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, which hold rich basketball traditions and strong community ties.”
All three new franchises are backed by NBA ownership groups, each contributing a $250 million expansion fee—five times the amount previously paid by teams in prior expansions. These ownership groups have ambitious plans, including investments in practice facilities and community engagement initiatives.
Previous WNBA teams once represented both Cleveland and Detroit, while Philadelphia had a franchise in the American Basketball League. The return of these franchises signals a revival of basketball culture in regions historically significant to the sport.
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores expressed optimism about the new team, calling it a “victory for both the city and the WNBA.” Gores emphasized the aim to re-energize the local basketball scene while focusing on investments that will benefit both the league and community infrastructure.
Prominent athletes like Grant Hill and Chris Webber will hold minority stakes in the Detroit franchise, and discussions are underway to decide on the team’s name, with legacy names like the Shock and the Rockers potentially in play. The new teams will compete in their respective NBA arenas, while Philadelphia plans to construct a new venue expected to be completed by 2030.
The expansion will also foster natural rivalries, contributing to the league’s competitive landscape. With teams in close proximity, like Cleveland and Detroit, fans can anticipate exciting matchups akin to those seen in the NBA.
Engelbert noted that numerous cities expressed interest in expansion teams during the bidding process, including St. Louis, Austin, and Miami, among others. The rising demand for women’s sports has been evident in various facets, including attendance and television ratings over recent seasons.
As the WNBA prepares for this transformation, Engelbert emphasized the importance of a balanced talent pool. “We want to ensure that we’re not diluting the level of competition as we expand,” she said.
The increasing popularity of women’s sports finds reflection in various metrics, including TV ratings and sponsorship growth. Insights from current ownership show that youth participation in basketball is on the rise, particularly among girls, underscoring the important role of female athletes as community role models.
In a climate of improved equity and engagement, the WNBA’s expansion reflects a broader social narrative in sports, showcasing the potential of women’s professional teams to inspire future generations.