The WNBA is set to grow significantly over the next five years, with three new teams joining the league by 2030. Cleveland will debut in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approval from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors. This expansion follows the addition of Toronto and Portland, both of which will begin play in 2026.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the league’s growing popularity, saying, “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher. Welcoming Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia reflects the extraordinary momentum behind the WNBA and the increasing investment in women’s professional sports.”
Each of the three new franchises is backed by existing NBA ownership groups and paid a $250 million expansion fee—about five times what Golden State paid just a few years ago. Beyond the fee, these ownership groups are committing to building modern practice facilities and other essential infrastructure.
Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, called the move a “natural progression,” pointing to existing basketball infrastructure and a shared strategy that supports long-term growth.
Detroit and Cleveland are both returning to the WNBA after previously hosting teams—the Shock and Rockers, respectively—while Philadelphia once hosted a team in the American Basketball League (ABL). Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores celebrated the city’s re-entry into the WNBA, calling it a “long-hoped-for return” and a significant investment in both the city and the league’s future.
Prominent Detroit athletes such as Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and NFL quarterback Jared Goff will hold minority stakes in the new Detroit franchise.
While the ownership groups are considering reviving the names of former teams, no final branding decisions have been made. Barlage emphasized a fan-driven approach, noting, “We want to be thorough and thoughtful, and really engage with our fans before choosing a name.”
Cleveland and Detroit’s teams will play in their current NBA arenas. Philadelphia, meanwhile, plans to open a new arena by 2030. Josh Harris, co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and owner of the 76ers, said that while the goal is to open the new venue by 2030, they’re publicly targeting 2031 to avoid overpromising. In the interim, games could be held at venues like the Xfinity Center or Wells Fargo Center.
The addition of these three cities strengthens regional rivalries, particularly in the Eastern Conference. “We’ve got great rivalries in the NBA between cities like Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, and New York,” said Detroit Pistons executive Arn Tellem. “That will carry over into the WNBA.”
Engelbert also noted the strong competition among cities vying for a WNBA franchise. Other contenders included St. Louis, Kansas City, Austin, Nashville, Miami, Denver, Charlotte, and Houston. She gave a special mention to Houston, home of the league’s first dynasty—the four-time champion Comets—and noted that the city remains under consideration for future expansion.
The league is deliberately spacing out its expansion to avoid thinning the talent pool. “We were surprised by how much interest there was,” Engelbert said. “Given the demand, we want to make sure we’re expanding thoughtfully, balancing roster spots and team competitiveness.”
The timing also aligns with the league’s broader media and business strategy. Engelbert believes expanding into major basketball markets like these will enhance media rights opportunities and attract more corporate sponsors.
The league’s growth is supported by rising metrics across the board, from attendance and TV ratings to sponsorships and youth engagement. Barlage noted that the fastest-growing segment of the Cavaliers’ youth academy is young girls, with participation rising 30% year over year. “Bringing a WNBA team to Cleveland gives these girls role models and symbols of progress,” he said. “It’s about creating ambassadors who represent community, growth, and opportunity.”
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