WNBA is coming to Philadelphia: What to know as expansion team announced for 2030 season
The league announced its expansion plans Monday, adding three new cities – Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030.
"What a great day, Philadelphia, the W is coming," Josh Harris, managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers and co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), said at the expansion news conference.
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"To the city of Philly, this is your team," Harris said. "Philadelphia is a city that is about sports and basketball in particular, including generations of extraordinary women's basketball talent.
"Bringing the WNBA to Philly wasn't just nice to have, it was an obligation," Harris added. "We have an opportunity to build something special. Philly deserves the best women's basketball team in the world and attracts the best women's basketball talent.
Here's what to know:
Why is Philadelphia getting a WNBA franchise now?
There has been an effort for years to bring the WNBA to Philadelphia, but the timing was finally right with the talent level of the players and viability of a franchise.
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"Obviously, Josh (Harris) ... the whole ownership group's long-term commitment to making this work in the city of Philadelphia and obviously this was the right time for the W," WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said at a news conference. "Five years ago, it wouldn't have been the right time. Four years ago, three years ago, if you recall, we raised capital in February 2022.
"We've been working real hard on transforming the league to get to the point where the value is there for these three cities to come in," Engelbert SAID. "And the talent, I can't overstate enough, the talent of women's basketball out there, not only in the NCAA ranks, but internationally and globally coming into this league and being able to perform at the highest level – an elite level."
What is the name of Philadelphia's WNBA team?
The franchise has not announced a team name yet.
Who owns the Philadelphia WNBA franchise?
According to NBC Philadelphia, the franchise will be based in South Philadelphia and will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE).
When does the Philadelphia WNBA team begin play?
According to the announcements on Monday, the team is expected to begin play in the 2030 season.
How many teams are in the WNBA?
The WNBA currently has 15 teams, and Monday's expansion announcement will increase that number to 18.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: WNBA expansion comes to Philadelphia: Franchise announced for 2030 season
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