WNBA's Ambitious Expansion: New Teams and Fresh Hopes
As women's basketball continues to capture the hearts of millions, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is poised for significant growth, embarking on an expansion that will see its reach broaden across North America. By 2026, the league plans to increase its roster from 12 to 15 teams, introducing new franchises in key cities known for their passionate sports following.
The expansion journey begins in 2025, with the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries. This new team is anticipated to bring a fresh wave of excitement to the WNBA, leveraging the strong basketball culture in the Bay Area, which is already home to the successful Golden State Warriors of the NBA. The following year, 2026, will see the league welcoming a team in Portland, a city with a rich basketball heritage, further strengthening the league's presence on the West Coast.
Beyond the United States, the WNBA's horizons continue to expand. Toronto, one of Canada's vibrant sporting capitals, will host a new franchise by 2026. The Canadian market, ever-growing in its enthusiasm for basketball, especially following the Toronto Raptors' 2019 NBA Championship win, presents an exciting opportunity for the league to tap into a burgeoning fanbase eager for more women's sports content.
Not stopping at 15 teams, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has articulated the league's vision for ongoing growth, suggesting the addition of a 16th team by the 2028 season. "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," said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, succinctly capturing the sentiment and demand for a franchise in the City of Brotherly Love. Her support is pivotal as Philadelphia emerges as a contender for a new team, potentially joining the ranks of this growing league.
Kansas City, known for its robust sports culture, is also throwing its hat into the ring. The city's T-Mobile Arena, which has a history of hosting college basketball events, stands as a ready venue. NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, a significant figure in Kansas City's sports community, is a vocal advocate for bringing women's professional basketball to the city. "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," Mahomes expressed, emphasizing the viability and importance of a WNBA presence in the city.
Meanwhile, Houston is exploring the possibility of rekindling its WNBA legacy. Once home to the Houston Comets, winners of the inaugural WNBA championship in 1997, the city is keenly interested in reestablishing ties with the league. Leading the charge is Tilman Fertitta, who has commenced discussions aimed at bringing a team back to Houston. The city's historical success and deep-rooted basketball traditions make it a promising prospect for reentry into the WNBA fold.
As these developments unfold, the WNBA's strategic expansion plan not only promises to enhance the league's competitiveness but also underscores its commitment to broadening the appeal and visibility of women's basketball. The introduction of new teams in pivotal markets will undoubtedly generate fresh narratives and rivalries, captivating fans and nurturing talent across the continent.
The league's expansion reflects a broader trend of growing interest and investment in women's sports. Fans and stakeholders alike eagerly anticipate the changes on the horizon, which are poised to redefine the landscape of professional women's basketball for generations to come.