The landscape of professional women's basketball is set to dramatically evolve in the coming years, as the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced plans to expand its franchise roster. By 2026, the league is poised to grow from 12 to 15 teams, marking a significant stride in the sport's development and reach.
New Teams on the Horizon
Fans and aspiring players will see a new team, the Golden State Valkyries, enter the court as early as 2025. This addition is not merely an expansion of the league's geographic footprint, but it represents a vibrant opportunity for basketball enthusiasts in the San Francisco Bay Area to engage with women's professional basketball at a local level.
The expansion efforts won’t stop there, as the WNBA plans to introduce a team in Portland in 2026. Joining the ranks that same year will be a new franchise in Toronto, marking the league’s extension into Canada. These strategic moves are undoubtedly geared toward leveraging metropolitan markets with a robust sports culture and eager fanbase, positioning the league for larger audiences and increased attention.
Future Aspirations and City Interest
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has made it clear that the league has even greater aspirations, expressing interest in possibly adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. This commitment to growth signals a robust future for the league, aiming at sustainability and broadening its competitive landscape.
Among the locales under consideration for a WNBA team is Philadelphia. Mayor Cherelle Parker has underscored her support for welcoming a team to the city, noting, "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." Her words reflect a civic enthusiasm that could drive Philadelphia into the league's expansion conversations.
Philadelphia isn't alone in this arena. Kansas City has expressed keen interest in hosting a WNBA franchise. The city's enthusiasm for basketball comes as no surprise, given its history of hosting college basketball events at venues such as the T-Mobile Arena. One of the city's most prominent sports figures, NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, has shown his support, 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."
Reestablishing Houston’s Presence
Meanwhile, Houston is exploring the possibility of reestablishing its presence in the league. The city was home to the Houston Comets, the champions of the inaugural WNBA season in 1997. The potential comeback is spearheaded by Tilman Fertitta, who has initiated discussions to bring women's professional basketball back to the city. This move could reignite a legacy and bring back fond memories for fans of the Comets, rekindling the city’s historical ties to the WNBA.
These expansion efforts not only serve to enhance the WNBA’s competition and geographical reach but also aim to grow the league’s appeal and accessibility to a broader audience. As the WNBA charts a progressive course towards substantial strategic growth, these developments signal a thrilling new era for women's basketball, celebrating athleticism, inspiring young athletes, and enriching local sports cultures across North America.