WNBA Expansion: A New Era in Women's Basketball
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is setting the stage for a dynamic expansion, promising to elevate the league's footprint across North America. With plans to increase from 12 to 15 teams by 2026, the WNBA's ambitious vision is both a strategic move to capitalize on growing interest in women's sports and a bold statement about the league's future.
Leading the charge is WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who has been pivotal in broadening the league's horizons. Engelbert, driven by the league's recent successes and popularity surges, aspires to introduce a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. The cities in contention for this expansion reflect both traditional basketball strongholds and emerging markets poised to embrace a professional women’s team.
Golden State Valkyries and New Entrants
Announcing their entry into professional women's basketball, the Golden State Valkyries will become the first of the new expansion teams, slated to join the WNBA in 2025. The inclusion of a team from the Golden State underscores the region's rich basketball culture and the existing fanbase of the NBA's Golden State Warriors, upon whom the Valkyries may draw inspiration.
Following closely will be teams in Portland and Toronto, both set to enter the WNBA by 2026. These two cities are significant additions, with Portland's history with the NBA and Toronto's thriving sports culture promising a solid foundation for growth. Introducing the WNBA to Toronto also marks a notable step in increasing the league's international presence.
Potential Cities in the Mix
Philadelphia has emerged as a serious contender for hosting a WNBA team. The city's mayor, Cherelle Parker, has been vocal in her support, acknowledging the absence of a WNBA franchise in the city and expressing a desire to change that: "We don't have a WNBA team here in the city of Philadelphia. Do any of y'all ever notice that? Y'all know y'all mayor don't like that." Philadelphia's strong basketball tradition—from storied collegiate programs to the fervent support for the NBA's 76ers—positions it as an ideal candidate for a future WNBA team.
Kansas City, another city making waves in the discussion around WNBA expansion, has a powerful advocate in NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. The Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback has publicly championed the idea, stating, "We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general and then WNBA. The success that they've had this last season and these last few seasons, it's kind of a no-brainer." Kansas City's T-Mobile Arena, a host to numerous collegiate basketball events, offers a ready-made venue for professional basketball.
Houston's Rich Legacy
Houston, meanwhile, is in the exploratory phase of reestablishing a WNBA team. Discussions led by Tilman Fertitta signal a productive start towards bringing back professional women's basketball to a city that once celebrated immense success through the Houston Comets. The Comets, winners of the league's inaugural championship in 1997 and a dominant force in the league's early years, left a proud legacy. Restoring a team in Houston would not only reignite that legacy but also tap into the city's fertile ground of basketball enthusiasm.
As the WNBA marches toward this exciting new chapter, its expansion strategy reflects a commitment to strengthening the sport and enhancing its visibility. With new cities expressing interest and support from influential figures, the league's journey toward increasing its geographical reach seems promising. Each new team's addition will not only expand the WNBA's market but also provide numerous athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the biggest stages in women's professional sports.