WNBA will have more expansion teams as early as next season as Portland and Toronto are set to join while Cleveland follows in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia by 2030.
A Total of 18 Teams
The league opened its doors to the newest team when this season began as the California based squad, Golden State Valkyries, made a name for themselves.
With currently a total of 13 teams, WNBA are set to give more opportunities to female hoopers as more cities are now invested to have a female basketball franchise. As to “Why Expand Now?” Michael Voepen of ESPN has this to say: The WNBA is taking advantage of the heightened interest in women’s sports in general, and women’s basketball in particular. New ownership groups in the past few years have upgraded facilities and commitment, and that drew the attention of other potential owners.
The Press Release from the WNBA website itself, they said that “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 demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in the announcement.
It’s not confirmed yet but sources say that the potential name of the Portland team would be “Portland Fire”. Meanwhile Toronto has confirmed their women based team will be called “Toronto Tempo”.
About Detroit
The Detroit WNBA ownership group is led by Tom Gores, his wife Holly, and some of the most accomplished women and men in global sports, business, entertainment, media, and finance.
Gores is owner of the Detroit Pistons and Chairman and CEO of global investment firm Platinum Equity. The WNBA is also making its return to Detroit, where the Shock played from 1998-2009, winning three championships (2003, 2006, 2008), ranking in the top five in attendance for five consecutive seasons, and setting a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals.
“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” said Detroit Pistons Owner and Platinum Equity Chairman Tom Gores, who led the WNBA bid and will be the controlling owner of the new franchise. “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.”
About Cleveland
The new WNBA team in Cleveland will be owned and operated by Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the umbrella entity that houses REG Chairman Dan Gilbert’s sports and entertainment properties under the Rock Family of Companies.
Dan Gilbert acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, and under his leadership, the team has won the Central Division seven times, five Eastern Conference titles, and, most notably, the 2016 NBA Championship.
“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,” said Rock Entertainment Group Chairman Dan Gilbert.
“The passion, support and continued commitment of our fans and community for our professional sports teams played an essential role in making this possible. We’re confident that this team will honor our city’s women’s sports heritage, reinvigorate our WNBA fan base and help cultivate the next generation of women’s basketball enthusiasts and athletes. We’re grateful to the WNBA and Commissioner Engelbert for this opportunity and their unwavering belief in Cleveland.”
About Philadelphia
The Philadelphia WNBA Team will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and join the organization’s dynamic global sports portfolio.
“Philadelphia is one of the most storied basketball cities in the world and our region is home to some of the best women’s players and coaches to ever grace the hardwood. It’s only right that this city gets the WNBA team it deserves, and we’re humbled to help usher in a new era of Philadelphia basketball,” said Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment Managing Partner and Co-Founder Josh Harris.
“We are committed to building a world-class organization, fostering the continued growth of women’s professional sports in this great city, and bringing one of the fastest rising leagues in the world to Philadelphia in 2030.”
More Hoops Than Ever
“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. 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.” said WNBA Commissioner.
