Former NBA player Michael Carter-Williams is advocating for the establishment of a WNBA team in Boston. He is part of a group known as The Boston Women’s Basketball Partners, which is leading the effort to introduce a franchise to the city. While the group has not yet submitted a formal bid for expansion, they have initiated discussions with the organization handling the expansion proposals for the league.
Carter-Williams emphasized the group’s clear goal during a phone interview, stating, “The main objective is to get a team in Boston. It doesn’t matter if it’s an expansion team or a team that wants to sell and move to Boston.” He further assured that they have arrangements for potential venues and practice facilities in place, indicating that they are ready to secure a team once the opportunity arises.
Last year, Boston successfully hosted a sold-out WNBA game when the Connecticut Sun played at the TD Garden, home of the Celtics. Another matchup featuring the Indiana Fever against the Sun is scheduled for this season at the same venue. Carter-Williams noted that if the Sun were to be put up for sale, his group would definitely show interest. However, it remains uncertain, as discussions regarding the team’s potential sale do not seem to be ongoing at the moment.
With a deadline for expansion bids having closed on January 30, Carter-Williams acknowledged that acquiring an existing team would be the quickest route for Boston to gain a WNBA franchise. The league has already announced plans for three new teams to debut within the next two years: Golden State this season, and Toronto and Portland set to enter in 2026. Furthermore, it has been stated that by 2028, a 16th team could potentially be established.
Numerous cities have already submitted their bids for expansion franchises, including Philadelphia, Cleveland, Detroit, Kansas City, Houston, and Nashville. There is a possibility that the WNBA could opt to include more than 16 teams sooner than expected. Among the cities vying for a spot, Cleveland’s bid is particularly notable, led by Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cavaliers. Recent reports suggest that Cleveland has shown significant promise in securing an expansion team, though confirmation from the league remains pending.
Nashville’s proposal is being spearheaded by Bill Haslam, chairman of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, and his wife, Crissy. They have gathered a group of investors which includes prominent figures like Candace Parker and Peyton Manning, and they have already chosen a name for their potential team: the Tennessee Summitt, a tribute to the late Pat Summitt, the legendary Lady Vols coach.
In addition, several cities with previous WNBA teams seek a return, namely Charlotte, Detroit, and Houston. The Detroit bid is notably backed by local NBA ownership, including Pistons owner Tom Gores. Meanwhile, in Houston, Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Rockets, has thrown his hat into the ring for a new franchise that could play at the Toyota Center, which previously hosted the WNBA’s Houston Comets.
Cities like Kansas City, Austin, and St. Louis are also in the race, bolstered by the involvement of high-profile athletes. Kansas City’s hopes are represented by Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who recognizes the potential for basketball in the area. Similarly, Kevin Durant expressed support for the Austin bid, citing the city’s strong backing for women’s basketball.
Philadelphia has entered the running with its own bid, supported by plans for a new sports complex that would accommodate both the NBA 76ers and the NHL Flyers, which could enhance travel and foster rivalries with nearby franchises.
