WNBA's Expansion Sparks Excitement and Ambition Across North America
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is on the cusp of a significant expansion, signaling a new era of growth and opportunity for women's professional basketball. By 2026, the league will bolster its ranks from 12 to 15 teams, introducing new franchises in strategic locations to bolster its competitive landscape and fan engagement.
Among the most exciting developments is the addition of the Golden State Valkyries to the WNBA in 2025. The franchise marks the league's expansion into a sports-rich region that is synonymous with competitive excellence. The Bay Area, already home to passionate basketball fans courtesy of the Golden State Warriors, is set to embrace this new team with enthusiasm.
Portland and Toronto: New Horizons
In 2026, the WNBA plans to further expand its geographical footprint by welcoming a team in Portland. Known for its vibrant sports culture and passionate fan base, Portland promises to be a strategic addition, potentially replicating the fervor seen in other local sports teams.
Simultaneously, the league is ready to make its first international leap with a new franchise in Toronto. This move not only broadens the WNBA's audience but also amplifies its presence internationally, catering to a growing demand for women's sports across borders.
Future Plans and Proposals
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not been shy about her ambitions for the league's future. She has publicly expressed interest in adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. This pursuit aligns with the WNBA's broader strategy to capitalize on the increasing popularity of women's basketball and expand its market reach.
Philadelphia has emerged as a passionate contender in the conversation about future teams. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has articulated her support for bringing WNBA action to her 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." Such public backing could significantly bolster Philadelphia's bid, especially if the proposed 76 Place Arena in downtown Philadelphia gains approval from the City Council in December. However, if the Philadelphia 76ers' plan to move to a new downtown arena materializes, it would not open until 2031.
Kansas City and Houston: Reviving Basketball Dreams
Kansas City has thrown its hat into the ring as a potential home for a WNBA team, aided by the influence and support of local sports figures. NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, a minority stakeholder in the Kansas City Royals, Sporting KC, and the NWSL's KC Current, is a vocal advocate for basketball in the city. He asserts, "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."
Kansas City's T-Mobile Arena, which has long been a host for college basketball events, could provide an established venue for a new team. The city's success with selling out home games for the NWSL team KC Current further highlights the potential for strong local support.
Meanwhile, Houston is exploring the possibility of reigniting its WNBA legacy. Tilman Fertitta, owner of the Houston Rockets, has begun talks with the WNBA about reestablishing a team in the city. This would be a homecoming of sorts, as Houston was once represented by the Comets, a franchise that made history by winning the first-ever WNBA championship in 1997 and subsequently achieving a remarkable four-peat.
The potential return of a Houston team would not only honor the city's storied past but also serve to invigorate the local sports community, reigniting the flames of basketball passion in a city rich with athletic tradition.
As the WNBA gears up for these expansions, stakeholders across North America are keenly watching. With new teams and markets on the horizon, the league stands poised to redefine its footprint, offering fans new allegiances and fostering further appreciation for women's basketball on an unprecedented scale.