WNBA Makes Shocking Announcement Monday
The WNBA has enjoyed a terrific run of late, with fan interest and engagement at an all-time high.
Now, the league appears poised to further capitalize on its new-found glory.
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Per Doug Feinberg of The Associated Press, the league intends to add five additional teams by 2030 — beyond the two announced in Portland and Toronto for next season, Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia have all paid a $250 million expansion fee to get on the board. The move will bring the league's tally to 18 teams by the start of the next decade.
Cleveland is slated to have a WNBA franchise by 2028, Detroit will join it in 2029, and Philadelphia will have its own club by 2030. NBA ownership groups are all involved in these efforts.
'This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,' remarked Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. '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.'
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Monday's news is a remarkable endorsement of the WNBA, and the fact that a league overflowing with talent can sustain new big markets.
This season's expansion Golden State Valkyries represent the 13th franchise in the WNBA currently. The team is 9-7 and is worth $500 million, making it the most valuable brand in women's sports.
WNBA commissioner Cathy EngelbertVincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Per Noa Dalzell of SB Nation, other cities across the nation would like to get in business with the NBA, including Austin, Nashville, St. Louis, Charlotte, and Boston.
Former 2014 Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams is reportedly behind the Boston effort.
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Related: Caitlin Clark Makes History with WNBA's Big Announcement
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
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