As the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) gears up for significant expansion, basketball fans have plenty to cheer about with new teams on the horizon. From the coastlines of California to the bustling streets of Toronto, the league plans to broaden its footprint and elevate women's basketball to new heights.
Expansion on the Horizon
The WNBA currently has 12 teams but is set to expand to 15 by 2026. This ambitious expansion plan serves as a testament to the league's growing popularity and success, aiming to introduce professional women's basketball to new markets and fanbases.
The first new team, the Golden State Valkyries, will step onto the court in 2025. Their arrival heralds a new era for basketball in California, a state already synonymous with the sport, offering fans a fresh narrative to embrace and support.
In 2026, the WNBA will introduce a team in Portland, Oregon, expanding its presence in the Pacific Northwest. Portland, with its rich basketball culture and passionate supporters, promises to be a vibrant addition to the league.
Crossing Borders: Toronto Joins the League
Further expanding its international appeal, a new franchise will also be established in Toronto by 2026. This move marks the WNBA's first foray into Canada, tapping into the country's deep love for basketball. Adding a team in Toronto is poised to enhance the league's global reach and attract a wave of new fans from beyond the United States.
Philadelphia and Kansas City in Contention
Looking beyond 2026, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed interest in adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. Among the cities under consideration is Philadelphia, demonstrating a keen interest in joining the exclusive lineup of WNBA cities. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker openly supports the idea, questioning the absence of a team in the city: "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."
Philadelphia's candidacy is bolstered by the rich basketball tradition that permeates the city, from its grassroots development programs to its fervent college basketball scene. A WNBA team in Philadelphia would not only fulfill a local desire but also serve as a beacon for young female athletes aspiring to reach professional heights.
Meanwhile, Kansas City stands as another strong contender, driven by a genuine enthusiasm for embracing a WNBA team. The city, recognized for its successful hosting of college basketball events at the T-Mobile Arena, sees this as a natural next step. NFL star Patrick Mahomes has been vocal about his desire to bring women's professional basketball to Kansas City: "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."
Houston Reimagining Its Legacy
In addition to emerging markets, Houston is exploring the idea of reestablishing its presence in the WNBA. The city was previously home to the Houston Comets, a franchise that captured the first-ever WNBA championship in 1997. Tilman Fertitta, the influential figure behind the effort to bring a team back to Houston, has initiated discussions to recreate the city's storied legacy in women's basketball.
With its history of success and a renewed sense of purpose, a reestablished team in Houston could rekindle the competitive spirit and pride that once fueled the city's WNBA fanbase. The endeavor highlights the league’s overarching commitment to honoring its past while forging exciting new paths for the future.
As the WNBA embarks on this transformative journey, the planned expansions not only promise fresh opportunities for players and fans alike but also underscore the sport's prominent role in redefining the landscape of women's professional sports. The growing league, equipped with visionary leaders and supportive communities, is on track to solidify its place as a cherished institution in the world of sports.