Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia are expected to join the WNBA by 2030 as it takes over

The Growth of Women’s Hoops— As the WNBA expands to 18 teams, three new cities are locked in.

The WNBA is significantly improving. The league said that Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia will formally join the W’s expanding roster, bringing the league’s total number of teams to 18 by 2030.

First up is Cleveland, which will play in 2028. Detroit will follow in 2029, and Philadelphia is planned for 2030, subject to final NBA and WNBA board of governors approval. This announcement follows the confirmed 2025 debuts in Toronto and Portland.

According to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the surge is due to the surge in interest in women’s basketball. “Our league’s momentum is powerfully reflected in this historic expansion,” she said.

A hefty $250 million expansion fee, five times what Golden State spent to bring the Valkyries to town, will be paid by each of the additional franchises. NBA ownership groups are supporting all three of the new teams, and they are all pledging to make more investments in player amenities and practice facilities.

The WNBA has experience with both Detroit and Cleveland. Although the owners say they will talk to fans before making a decision, both cities may bring back the names of the teams they once had: the Shock and the Rockers. In contrast, Philadelphia, which formerly had an ABL club, is making its WNBA debut.

Local sports legends Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and NFL quarterback Jared Goff will all have minority holdings in the team, according to Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, who referred to the move as a long-awaited homecoming.

The teams from Detroit and Cleveland will play in the same NBA arenas as their male counterparts. The Philadelphia club will continue to play at existing facilities, such as the Wells Fargo Center, until the opening of their own arena, which is anticipated to happen by 2030.

There are now more regional rivalries as a result of this expansion. New games between Detroit and Cleveland, Philadelphia and New York, and others are anticipated. All three communities’ leaders express their excitement at continuing their NBA traditions.

Cities including Houston, Charlotte, Miami, and Denver submitted proposals to join the WNBA, with Houston—the birthplace of the original Comets—remaining a top target for the league’s future expansion.

In order to prevent the league from overstretching its talent pool, Engelbert emphasized that the launch is purposefully spaced out. However, the league claims it is prepared for more given the growing young engagement, particularly among girls, sold-out arenas, and soaring TV viewership.

According to Rock Entertainment CEO Nic Barlage, who owns the Cavaliers, the demand is genuine and rapidly increasing. “Girls are our Cavs kids academy’s fastest-growing demographic. It is increasing by 30% annually.

The WNBA’s next chapter is looking to be its most significant yet, as momentum, revenue, and fans all continue to grow.