The WNBA has taken a major step forward in its rapid growth, announcing the addition of three new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, which will bring the league to a record 18 teams by the end of the decade. The expansion, unveiled on Monday, marks a new era for women’s professional basketball in North America and reflects surging interest in the sport.
Expansion Timeline and Details
- Cleveland: Set to begin play in 2028
- Detroit: Will join the league in 2029
- Philadelphia: Scheduled to debut in 2030
This move follows the recent debut of the Golden State Valkyries and comes ahead of new teams in Portland and Toronto, both set to start in 2026. The WNBA last peaked at 16 teams in 2002, making this the largest the league has ever been.
A Return to Iconic Cities
Both Cleveland and Detroit are making a return to the WNBA:
- The Cleveland Rockers were part of the league’s original eight teams (1997–2003) but never won a championship before folding.
- Detroit Shock (1998–2009) were one of the league’s most successful franchises, winning three championships before relocating to Tulsa and later becoming the Dallas Wings.
Philadelphia, meanwhile, will host a WNBA team for the first time, expanding the league’s reach into another major sports market.
Commissioner’s Vision and League Growth
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has long signaled her ambition to grow the league, citing “10 to 12 cities that are highly promising” for expansion. In her announcement, Engelbert emphasized the significance of the new franchises:
“These are cities rich in pride and steeped in sports history. They are becoming part of the most prestigious women’s sports league globally. This represents much more than just an expansion; it signifies a transformation of our league.”
🚨HISTORIC MOMENT ALERT🚨
The W is leveling UP — three new teams, three new cities, one unstoppable future. ⭐
Say hello to our newest expansion teams:
🟣 @clevelandwnba – coming 2028
🔵 @DetroitWNBA – coming 2029
🔴 @philawnba – coming 2030New energy. New legacies. New era.… pic.twitter.com/6ZXaHPxkEw
— WNBA (@WNBA) June 30, 2025
Surge in Popularity
The WNBA’s expansion comes amid record-breaking viewership and attendance, fueled by the arrival of standout stars like Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever) and Angel Reese (Chicago Sky).
captain CC 🤩
Caitlin Clark is a #WNBAAllStar2025 captain and two-time All-Star. pic.twitter.com/4GD7iZi9sN
— Indiana Fever (@IndianaFever) June 29, 2025
The league has seen a dramatic rise in fan engagement, merchandise sales, and media coverage, with women’s basketball reaching new heights both domestically and internationally.
What’s Next for the League?
With six new teams added since 2023—including the Bay Area, Golden State Valkyries, Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia – the WNBA is entering its most ambitious growth phase ever.
While it remains unclear if the revived Cleveland and Detroit franchises will reclaim their original team names, the league’s expansion is widely seen as a response to persistent calls from fans and players for more teams and opportunities.
