The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is setting the stage for significant expansion, showing no signs of slowing down in its quest to bring the excitement of women's basketball to a wider audience across North America. With plans to extend its reach from 12 to 15 teams by 2026, the league is making strategic moves that promise to reshape the landscape of professional women's basketball in the United States and beyond.
Growing the League
Leading the charge is the announcement of the Golden State Valkyries, a new team scheduled to make its debut in 2025. This addition marks an important step as the WNBA continues to tap into markets with rich basketball traditions. Following closely will be a new team in Portland in 2026, ensuring that the Pacific Northwest continues to be a vibrant hub for sports enthusiasts.
To further its international appeal, the league will establish a franchise in Toronto by 2026, indicating a forward-thinking approach in courting the Canadian market, which is known for its passionate sports fanbase. The WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has also expressed determination to expand even further, with aspirations of adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season.
Potential New Entrants
Philadelphia emerges as a strong contender for a future WNBA team. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has voiced her support for bringing the league to the city, saying, "We don't have a WNBA team here in the city of Philadelphia. Do any of y'all ever notice that? Y'all know y'all mayor don't like that," demonstrating her enthusiasm for seeing Philadelphia represented in professional women's basketball.
Kansas City also appears to be a viable candidate, with local support bolstering its case. Kansas City's T-Mobile Arena, known for hosting numerous college basketball events, provides a fitting venue for a potential franchise. NFL star Patrick Mahomes has thrown his influence behind the initiative, stating, "We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general and then WNBA. The success that they've had this last season and these last few seasons, it's kind of a no-brainer."
The Return of a Legacy
Meanwhile, Houston is actively exploring the possibility of reestablishing a WNBA team. This move would reignite a legacy that began with the Houston Comets, the original champions who clinched the first-ever WNBA championship in 1997. Talks have begun under the guidance of Tilman Fertitta, who aims to bring the WNBA back to a city with a storied history in women's professional basketball.
The impending expansion of the WNBA is more than just an increase in numbers; it's an acknowledgment of the growing fanbase and the league's ability to capture the imagination of both new and long-standing followers. Each potential new city brings with it a unique blend of culture, history, and a deep-seated passion for sports, setting the stage for compelling narratives both on and off the court.
As anticipation builds, these cities anxiously await the WNBA's decisions, each hoping to carve out its place in the sport's evolving history. With strategic planning and enthusiastic backing from key figures and fan communities, the future of the WNBA looks bright as it seeks to usher in a new era of basketball brilliance. The league’s expanding footprint is poised to strengthen its role as a beacon of inspiration and empowerment for athletes and fans worldwide.