WNBA Announces 18 Team Expansion With Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia

Forbes

30-06-2025

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 30: A view of the WNBA logo before the game between the Seattle Storm ... More and the New York Liberty at Climate Pledge Arena on August 30, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by)
The WNBA announced the league is once again expanding due to its growth and popularity. The WNBA currently sits at 13 teams with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries this season and will move to 15 teams in 2026 with newcomers Toronto Tempo and Portland. The league reported they will move to 18 teams by 2030 with Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia.
These new additions will bring another team in Philadelphia to the east coast joining the New York Liberty, Connecticut Sun, Washington Mystics and Atlanta Dream, as well as two teams in Cleveland and Detroit to the midwest joining the Indiana Fever and Minnesota Lynx. The WNBA situated that these cities were chosen intentionally, '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.'
In the press conference commissioner Cathy Englebert centered the moment for the WNBA stating, 'Our viewership is at an all-time high, our arenas are buzzing, and our league continues to make an impact on sport and culture. With these new teams our league will grow nearly every season for the rest of this decade, the Golden State Valkyries this year, the Toronto Tempo and Portland in 2026, Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. This expansion marks far more than an increase in teams, it's a transformational investment in the future of women's sports. With more teams, more roster spots, and more scale, the WNBA is building on a wave of momentum that is only growing stronger.'
Cleveland and Detroit Revitalized
Nic Barlage, representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, and WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert listen ... More during a news conference, Monday, June 30, 2025, in New York, announcing WNBA basketball expansion teams in Philadelphia, Detroit and Cleveland. (AP Photo/Doug Feinberg)
For longtime fans of the WNBA this is particularly exciting news as teams rejoining in Cleveland and Detroit means revitalizing the history of professional women's basketball in those cities. The Cleveland Rockers were one of the first teams in the inception of the league in 1997 until the team was dissolved in 2003 and the Detroit Shock played from 1998 to 2009 which included four conference titles and three WNBA championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008. The Shock were moved to Tulsa in 2010 where they remained until 2015 before the team would move again to Dallas and become the Wings, the team we know in the league today.
Cleveland is being led by Rock Entertainment Group and their Chairman Dan Gilbert. Rock Entertainment Group (REG), houses the Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Charge (Cavaliers' G League affiliate), and Cleveland Monsters (AHL affiliate of the NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets).
Detroit will be led by now Detroit Pistons owner and Platinum Equity Chairman Tom Gores. Gores said about earning the bid and winning the rights to one of the next group of WNBA teams, "This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA. 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.'
As of now, there is no word whether the previous names, colors, and logos of past Cleveland and Detroit teams will be regenerated.
Long Awaited Philadelphia Team Awarded
Josh Harris, left, managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice ... More chairman, Nic Barlage, representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, listen as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference, Monday, June 30, 2025, in New York, announcing WNBA basketball expansion teams in Philadelphia, Detroit and Cleveland. (AP Photo/Doug Feinberg)
The last team added to the league's slate is Philadelphia, a city that has long been waiting and buzzing for a WNBA team, which will begin play in 2030. Philadelphia's team will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and joining the NBA's 76ers.
According to Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, Josh Harris, '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.'
Perhaps Philadelphia will lean heavily on another heavy hitter with deep roots to the city in Naismith award winning player and coach Dawn Staley. Staley, a Philly native has built not only an impressive playing career (3x Olympic Gold Medalist, 6x WNBA All-Star, 2x Honda Award winner and USA Basketball Female Athlete of the Year), but also a dynasty as a coach at the University of South Carolina winning national championships in 2017, 2022, and 2024, as well as an 2020 Tokyo Olympic Gold medal.
Recently, Staley teased on an episode of Not Gonna Lie Podcast with Kylie Kelce (wife of longtime Philadelphia Eagle, Jason Kelce) that she has an interest in ownership in a WNBA team, especially one in her hometown. Time will tell if Staley will get involved with the front office of the franchise.
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