WNBA's Ambitious Expansion Plans: New Teams on the Horizon
In a significant move set to reshape the landscape of women's professional basketball, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced plans to expand its roster of teams from 12 to 15 by 2026. This expansion follows a wave of growing popularity and success in recent seasons, underscoring the league's commitment to reaching a broader audience and fostering a wider talent pool.
New Entries: Golden State, Portland, and Toronto
Leading the charge in this expansion are the introductions of the Golden State Valkyries, set to make their debut in 2025, and teams in Portland and Toronto slated to join in 2026. This strategic move aligns with the league's efforts to tap into new markets with rich basketball traditions and enthusiastic fan bases.
The Valkyries' introduction to the San Francisco Bay Area is anticipated to bring a fresh wave of excitement, leveraging the region's storied basketball history and fervent support from Golden State Warriors fans. In turn, Portland's inclusion marks a return of professional women’s basketball to the Pacific Northwest—a fitting tribute to a city that boasts a deep love for the game. Meanwhile, Toronto's entry symbolizes a significant step in expanding the league's international reach, inviting the energetic passion of Canadian basketball supporters.
Potential for a 16th Team
Amidst these exciting developments, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has also hinted at the possibility of a 16th franchise before the 2028 season. While details remain under wraps, the commissioner’s openness to expanding further reflects a proactive approach to embracing new opportunities and sustaining the league's momentum.
Philadelphia's Aspiration
As the potential for further expansion looms, the city of Philadelphia stands as a strong candidate for a future WNBA team. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has voiced explicit support for the initiative, stating, "We don't have a WNBA team here in the city of Philadelphia. Do any of y'all ever notice that? Y'all know y'all mayor don't like that."
This sentiment expresses both a recognition of the market potential in Philadelphia and a determined push from local leadership to bring a team to the city. Philadelphia, recognized for its passionate sports culture and enthusiastic fan base, presents itself as a viable contender in the league’s expansion strategy.
Kansas City Enters the Conversation
Not to be overshadowed, Kansas City has emerged as a city with aspirations to host a WNBA team. Emboldened by the recent successes and growing appeal of women's basketball, Kansas City finds itself at a pivotal moment of opportunity. NFL star Patrick Mahomes, a notable advocate for the sport, remarked, "We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general and then WNBA. The success that they've had this last season and these last few seasons, it's kind of a no-brainer."
With the infrastructure of the T-Mobile Arena, which has experience hosting college basketball events, Kansas City seems poised to support a WNBA team both logistically and through a solid base of potential fans committed to welcoming women's professional basketball to the region.
Houston's Historic Ties
Meanwhile, Houston is exploring the possibility of reestablishing its presence in the WNBA, having been previously represented by the Comets—a team that clinched the league’s first-ever championship in 1997. This history has sparked renewed interest and discussions led by business tycoon Tilman Fertitta, who has taken steps to explore the feasibility of bringing a team back to Houston. The successful legacy of the Comets continues to inspire efforts to revive women’s professional basketball in a city known for nurturing champions.
As the WNBA charts its course towards significant growth, the potential for new teams in strategic locations promises a transformative period for the league. With diverse markets eager to showcase and support women's professional basketball, the WNBA’s ongoing expansion plans underscore a dynamic evolution, embracing broader engagement and celebrating its rising prominence on the global sports stage.