WNBA’s Historic Expansion: New Teams on the Horizon

WATCH HER PLAY
Jun 30
2 min read

The WNBA is gearing up for the most ambitious growth in its 28-year history. In a landmark announcement this week, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that the league plans to add at least three new franchises—Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Detroit—by 2030, on top of the previously announced teams in Toronto and Portland.

This expansion isn’t just a business milestone. It’s a testament to how rapidly interest in women’s basketball has exploded.

Women’s sports have never been hotter. From record-breaking viewership of the NCAA tournament to surging jersey sales and sold-out arenas for teams like the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, the appetite is undeniable.

The 2024 WNBA Draft broadcast featuring Caitlin Clark drew 2.45 million viewers, the most in league history.
Ticket demand for Indiana Fever road games quadrupled compared to 2023.
Sponsorship revenue across the league has climbed over 30% year-over-year.

This momentum gave the league the confidence to think bigger—and faster—about expansion.

Where Are the New Teams Headed?

Here’s what we know so far about the cities that will soon be part of WNBA history:

Toronto, Canada: Already announced as the league’s first international franchise, expected to tip off in 2026.

Portland, Oregon: Returning to the WNBA after nearly two decades away, likely to join in 2026.
Cleveland, Ohio: A new market with a rich basketball tradition and a vibrant fan base eager for women’s sports.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: The largest U.S. city without a WNBA team—until now.
Detroit, Michigan: Home of the former Detroit Shock, who won three WNBA championships before relocating to Tulsa (and later Dallas).

The league is actively finalizing ownership groups and arena deals for Cleveland, Philly, and Detroit.

Commissioner Engelbert described the expansion as “a reflection of extraordinary demand from fans, players, and cities who want to be part of the WNBA’s future.” She also emphasized that this growth will be deliberate, with a focus on sustainability and player health.

Team owners, athletes, and media voices widely applauded the move. Many point out that the surge of star power—particularly rookies like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink—has generated a once-in-a-generation spotlight the league is determined to capitalize on.

Adding new franchises is about more than increasing ticket sales. It’s about:

Creating more professional roster spots for elite talent
Expanding the WNBA’s footprint into passionate markets
Growing youth participation and visibility for girls’ basketball
Cementing the league as a cornerstone of the sports and cultural conversation

The WNBA’s expansion marks a new era—one in which women’s sports aren’t simply a niche interest but a mainstream force.

While timelines will vary city by city, the league expects at least two of the new franchises to be operational by 2026. The rest are targeted for the 2027–2030 seasons.

In the meantime, fans can expect: