The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced the addition of three expansion teams set to debut in the coming years. This strategic move has sparked excitement across various cities, each preparing to host their new team and welcoming the growth of the league.
**Cleveland’s Introduction to the WNBA**
Cleveland is set to make its debut in the WNBA in 2028. The team will benefit from the leadership of Dan Gilbert, owner of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, as its majority owner. Cleveland’s team will play its home games at the Rocket Arena, sharing the venue with the Cavaliers. To ensure the team has top-notch training facilities, preparations are underway to retrofit an existing facility in Independence, Ohio, also utilized by the Cavaliers. Reflecting on the expansion, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the city’s readiness, citing demographic insights and operational advantages similar to those previously harnessed in the Bay Area.
**Detroit’s WNBA Rebirth**
Detroit will rejoin the WNBA landscape in 2029, with the team being helmed by Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, alongside notable minority stakeholders such as Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff. The team’s games will be hosted at the Little Caesars Arena, the Pistons’ current home court. Plans are underway to establish a new training facility to ensure the team has the necessary infrastructure. According to Pistons Vice Chairman Arn Tellem, this move is more than a sports initiative; it’s a nod to Detroit’s resurgence, aiming to have a substantial economic impact on the city beyond basketball.
**Philadelphia’s Anticipated Launch**
The city of Philadelphia is gearing up to join the WNBA in 2030, with Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, leading the team’s ownership. The upcoming Philadelphia team will be housed in a state-of-the-art arena currently under construction in downtown Philadelphia. With the 76ers’ existing practice facility located in Camden, New Jersey, the Philadelphia team will have comprehensive training resources at its disposal. Josh Harris from Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment expressed enthusiasm regarding Philadelphia’s robust basketball culture, highlighting the city’s passionate fans and the significant role within both men’s and women’s basketball.
Enthusiasts of the WNBA and these vibrant cities are looking forward to the growth and opportunities these new teams will bring, both within the league and their respective communities.