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WNBA Expands to 18 Teams with Addition of Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced a significant expansion, with three new teams set to join the league, bringing the total number of teams to 18. The new teams are based in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, and are subject to approval from the WNBA and NBA boards of governors. The expansion marks a major milestone in the WNBA's commitment to growing the game, increasing opportunities for players, and bringing professional women's basketball to new fanbases.

Key Takeaways:

  • The WNBA will expand to 18 teams, with new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, pending approval from the WNBA and NBA boards of governors.
  • The three new teams will join the league's 15 existing teams, including the Golden State Valkyries, who began play in May.
  • The Cleveland team will begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030.
  • The locations were 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.
  • WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the new owners, citing 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 commitment to building thriving teams.
  • The WNBA has committed to growing the game, increasing opportunities for players, and bringing professional women's basketball to new fanbases.

Statistics:

  • The WNBA will expand to 18 teams, increasing the league's presence by 25%.
  • The three new teams will bring the total number of WNBA teams in the US to 16.
  • Portland, Oregon, and Toronto, Canada, will host new teams in 2026.
  • The Cleveland team will begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030.
  • The WNBA has a commitment to 12 playoff teams for the 2025 season.

Sources:

  • WNBA press release, Monday (2025)
  • SportzPower Team, "WNBA Announces Expansion to 18 Teams" (2025)
  • Contify, WNBA Expansion Announcement (2025)
  • WNBA.com, "WNBA Introduces New Teams and Ownership Groups" (2025)

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