WNBA Expansion Plans: New Teams for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to expand, bringing exciting growth to the league with plans to add three new teams by 2030. Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are the cities chosen to join this growing league, which will increase the total number of teams to 18.
Cleveland’s team will begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, pending the approval of the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors. Additionally, Toronto and Portland are scheduled to join next year, showcasing the rising interest in women’s basketball.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm for this expansion, noting that the demand for women’s basketball has never been greater. She stated, "This historic expansion reflects our league’s remarkable momentum and the increasing talent within the sport."
All three new teams will be owned by NBA franchise groups, each contributing $250 million to secure their entry into the league. This amount notably surpasses what some previous teams have paid to join, highlighting the growing value of women’s professional sports.
Both Cleveland and Detroit have past experiences with WNBA teams, while Philadelphia had a women’s basketball team in the ABL. Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores emphasized the significance of bringing the WNBA back to Detroit, a city with a rich basketball tradition. He remarked, "This marks the return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship legacy."
The ownership groups for these teams are looking into branding, possibly reviving the previous names—the Rockers and Shock—while also considering modern identities that resonate with current fans.
Teams in Cleveland and Detroit will utilize existing NBA arenas, while Philadelphia plans to build a new facility, aiming for completion no later than 2031. This adds an exciting new venue to the league landscape.
Adding these teams will foster natural rivalries, particularly with cities like Detroit and Cleveland being so close to one another. Detroit Pistons vice president Arn Tellem noted the potential for great rivalries reminiscent of the NBA’s fierce competitions, which could bring an exciting dynamic to the WNBA.
Engelbert highlighted the level of interest from various cities wishing to join the league, with places like St. Louis and Austin making their case. She also emphasized the league’s cautious approach to expansion to ensure talent is not diluted.
Moreover, the league’s growth is also reflected in increasing attendance, TV ratings, and sponsorship opportunities. The welfare of young female athletes in these cities is also a priority, as seen in the growing participation rates in youth programs.
The future looks bright for the WNBA, and as expansion unfolds, it hopes to bring greater attention to women’s sports while fostering role models for aspiring young athletes across the nation.
