The WNBA has announced plans to expand its league from the current 12 teams to a total of 18 by 2030, introducing new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Cleveland is set to launch its team in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in the subsequent year, pending formal endorsements from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors. Additionally, teams in Toronto and Portland are slated to debut in 2024.
“This surge in women’s basketball interest marks an exciting time for the WNBA as we extend a warm welcome to the cities of Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This significant expansion symbolizes the exceptional growth we’re experiencing, reflecting enhanced talent levels and burgeoning interest in investing in professional women’s basketball.”
The trio of newly introduced franchises will be backed by NBA ownership consortia, each contributing an expansion fee of $250 million, considerably more than the $50 million previously paid by Golden State for their team entry. Additionally, these teams will channel more funds into constructing practice facilities and other necessary amenities.
Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and affiliated with the Cavaliers, commented, “There is an inherent synergy when basketball infrastructure is already in place. It allows for natural integration into the WNBA, which aligns perfectly with our growth ambitions.”
Historically, Cleveland and Detroit have previously housed WNBA teams, whereas Philadelphia once hosted an ABL team.
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores remarked, “Detroit represents a monumental win for both the city and the WNBA. It heralds Detroit’s anticipated re-entry into WNBA following a rich basketball legacy and championship heritage. This move will reignite Detroit’s historical significance as the WNBA achieves new milestones. Our initiatives will not only reinvigorate our city but also inject fresh vigor and infrastructure into the WNBA while contributing additional resources to our community.”
The ownership of the Detroit team will also feature minority stakes from sports personalities such as Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff. The ownership groups in Cleveland and Detroit are considering whether to revive the previous team names, the Rockers and Shock, or opt for a new identity after comprehensive evaluations.
Barlage expressed, “Rockers will definitely be in the running, but we want to engage fully with our fan base and conduct thorough research before finalizing a brand identity.”
The Cleveland and Detroit teams are expected to utilize existing NBA arenas, whereas Philadelphia plans the construction of a new venue, anticipated to be complete by 2030. Josh Harris, Managing Partner at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and part-owner of the 76ers, indicated, “While we predict a 2031 opening, we aim to surprise by delivering in 2030. Until then, games will be hosted at the Xfinity Center and Wells Fargo.”
The augmentation of these three teams is anticipated to fuel regional rivalries, particularly with another East Coast team in Philadelphia, as well as with the proximity of Detroit and Cleveland. Arn Tellem, vice president for the Detroit Pistons, stated, “The cities included have a rich tradition of rivalries in the NBA, which I predict will seamlessly carry over to the WNBA, fostering intense competition akin to rivalries like Cleveland versus Indiana or Philadelphia against New York.”
Engelbert also noted her admiration for the widespread interest in franchise expansion. Cities like St. Louis, Nashville, Miami, and Houston, recognized for its remarkable history with the Houston Comets, partook in the bidding process.
Engelbert stressed the importance of a staggered expansion to preserve talent quality, highlighting, “Given the unexpected high demand during our recent expansion discussions, we want to balance it with team numbers and talent distribution. Expanding into these significant basketball cities enhances media opportunities and corporate partnerships.”
The WNBA has observed a consistent rise in metrics like game attendance, TV ratings, and sponsorship deals over recent years. “Our business performance indicators are improving, and the broader impact of a women’s professional sports team is palpable,” Barlage added, emphasizing the growing participation in their youth programs, particularly among girls. “This empowers us to craft role models and positive community ambassadors.”