The WNBA has officially approved expansion into Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia
League Expands to 18 Teams as New Franchises Confirm Launch Dates
Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are now officially part of the WNBA family.
The league and the NBA Board of Governors have officially approved three new expansion franchises, representing a significant achievement in the initiative to expand women’s professional basketball into additional markets. This week’s approval finalizes the official debut years for these cities, which have been part of the discussion for months. Cleveland is set to take the court first in 2028, with a much-anticipated return to Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia joining the lineup in 2030.
The expansion plan is progressing rapidly to match the sport’s immense popularity. When Philadelphia takes the court, the league will have expanded to 18 teams. This represents a substantial rise from the 13 teams that participated only a year ago. This expansion coincides with the introduction of two additional teams, the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo, who are gearing up for their inaugural season this May.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm regarding the interest from new cities, noting, “Great demand for WNBA franchises.” The demand was substantial. I am truly proud of my team’s accomplishments. I eagerly anticipate our upcoming discussions as the league evolves and expands.
This expansion arrives at an ideal moment for the players. The league has recently achieved a significant seven-year collective bargaining agreement that transforms the payment structure for players. With the new agreement, the average salary is rising to $583,000, while leading stars can now make as much as $1.4 million.
Nneka Ogwumike, president of the WNBPA, emphasized the significance of these changes: “We love this game enough to advocate for its potential, not only for ourselves but for those who established this league and those who will continue its legacy.”
With the draft approaching on April 13 and the season opener set for early May, the excitement is palpable. The WNBA is currently undergoing its most substantial transformation, with rosters expanding to 12 spots and new cities being added to the map.
Fans in the newly expanded cities are already making their presence known, with Philadelphia establishing social media pages and Cleveland and Detroit getting ready for their homecomings.
