Women’s basketball has seen an uptick in popularity over the last few years. The WNBA was built by Candace Parker, Lisa Leslie, Sue Bird, Sheryl Swoopes, Diana Taurasi and others who are seeing the fruit of their labor. On April 24, 1996, women’s basketball announced “We Got Next” as the NBA Board of Governors The WNBA. Now going on 30 years the league is starting the largest expansion in its history. The league officials announced the league will go to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia joining the W. This move shows the strong financial outlook and increasing demand for women’s professional basketball across America.
Attendance is up, media rights deals are coming in, and player story lines are interesting. Especially with the emergence of stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, they have driven record-breaking viewership. The key to continuing the league growth is aligning new franchises with existing NBA ownership groups. Targeting cities with strong sports infrastructure is a no brainier. The league is on it’s way to finally becoming profitable with NBA subsides.
Expansion Timeline
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2025: Golden State Valkyries make their debut
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2026: Toronto and Portland enter the league
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2028: Cleveland Rockers return as the 16th franchise
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2029: Detroit Shock revived as the 17th franchise
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2030: Philadelphia team joins as the 18th franchise
What Didn’t Make the Cut
The WNBA seems focus on cities with NBA ties. Nashville, submitted a bid that was fronted by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, was notably left. The WNBA cited a strategic preference for Midwestern and East Coast cities that align more directly with the league’s existing growth priorities. Miami, Milwaukee, Houston, and Nashville will most likely see the next round of teams when and if the league expands again.
