WNBA Expansion Plans to Transform the League
In a significant move that underscores the Women's National Basketball Association's commitment to growth, the league has outlined plans to expand its footprint across North America. By 2026, the WNBA aims to increase its team roster from 12 to 15, marking an ambitious chapter in its history of providing top-tier women’s basketball.
The addition of the Golden State Valkyries, set to begin competing in 2025, marks a significant milestone. This expansion into the San Francisco Bay Area will undoubtedly invigorate a region with a rich basketball tradition and a fervent fan base. The Valkyries will add a new dimension to the league, as they enter a vibrant sports market that is home to the storied Golden State Warriors of the NBA.
In the following year, 2026, the WNBA will further widen its reach to Portland, establishing a team that promises to capture the hearts of basketball enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest. Portland, renowned for its passionate sports fans, provides an ideal landscape for expanding the league’s presence.
Moreover, Toronto will join the WNBA’s growing roster in 2026, marking the league’s entrance into Canada and symbolizing the international appeal and growth potential of women’s basketball. This move not only enhances the WNBA's international proliferation but also aligns with the city’s robust sports culture and diversity.
The Drive Towards Further Expansion
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's enthusiasm for the league's future is palpable, with expressed interest in adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. Several North American cities are already vying for a spot, each promising to enrich the league's competition and fan base with their unique regional fervor.
Philadelphia stands out as a strong contender. The city, known for its deep-rooted sports culture, is actively campaigning for a WNBA team. Mayor Cherelle Parker, an ardent basketball supporter, has been vocal in her backing. In a recent statement, she highlighted the city’s noticeable absence from the league: "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."
Meanwhile, Kansas City is another frontrunner in the race for a WNBA expansion team. With T-Mobile Arena already hosting college basketball events, the city is positioning itself as a viable candidate. Local favorite and NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes has thrown his support behind this movement, recognizing the league’s increasing popularity: "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." His endorsement highlights the cultural and economic impact such a team could have on the community.
The Return of WNBA Basketball to Houston?
Additionally, Houston is exploring reintroducing a team, potentially resurrecting its storied basketball past. The city is nostalgically remembered for the Houston Comets, who clinched the inaugural WNBA championship back in 1997. Talks are already underway, spearheaded by Tilman Fertitta, to bring this aspiration to reality. A return to Houston would not only revive fond memories but could reignite a city's passion for the sport.
The WNBA's planned expansion is an indicative measure of both its success and its aspirations for future growth. As the league sets its sights on new locales, each potential city brings with it a unique blending of basketball heritage and emerging fandom.
The journey towards expansion involves strategic planning and community engagement, setting the stage for an enriched league that continually champions the excellence of women's basketball on a global stage.