As the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) looks towards a promising future, the league has confirmed plans to expand from 12 to 15 teams by 2026, a move that could significantly enhance its geographical and market reach. The expansion reflects the growing popularity and financial viability of women's basketball across the United States and into Canada.
New Teams on the Horizon
The 2025 season will see the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, further embedding the WNBA's presence in California. This addition is expected to capitalize on the existing basketball fervor in the Golden State, where the NBA's Golden State Warriors have cultivated a passionate fan base.
In 2026, Oregon will welcome a new WNBA team in Portland, a city with a rich basketball history courtesy of the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers. This move fits seamlessly into the league's strategy to tap into cities with established basketball enthusiasm, ensuring immediate fan engagement and support for the teams.
Toronto will also join the league by 2026, marking a significant step for the WNBA as it ventures internationally. This move resonates with the increasing globalization of the basketball fan base, aiming to build upon the success of the NBA's Toronto Raptors and extending the brand of women's basketball to Canada's largest city.
Eyeing Further Expansion
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed her vision of pushing the WNBA's boundaries even further with the potential addition of a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. Under her leadership, this strategic foresight is designed to ensure sustained growth and competitiveness in the league.
Considering the possibility of further expansion, Philadelphia has emerged as a strong candidate for a future WNBA team. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has been candid in her desire to see a franchise join the city's rich sports landscape. "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," Parker proclaimed, emphasizing her support for bringing top-tier women's basketball to Philadelphia.
Interest and Support in Kansas City
Kansas City has also thrown its hat into the ring, with prominent figures such as NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes advocating for the city's inclusion in the WNBA expansion plans. The city's T-Mobile Arena has previously hosted college basketball events, showcasing its capability to accommodate professional teams. Mahomes underlined the natural synergy between Kansas City and basketball, 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."
Revisiting Houston's WNBA Legacy
Houston is in discussions to rejoin the league, with local business magnate Tilman Fertitta leading efforts to reestablish a team in a city with a storied women's basketball history. The Houston Comets, once the pride of the city, clinched the inaugural WNBA championship in 1997, setting the standard for women's professional basketball teams. The potential revival of a team in Houston would honor that legacy and renew local interest in the sport.
The WNBA's expansion plans signal a dynamic chapter for the league, prioritizing both strategic market growth and fostering community support. With each prospective team bolstered by a history of basketball enthusiasm and strong local advocates, the league is poised to broaden its footprint across North America, further elevating the profile of women's professional basketball on a global stage.