The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is gearing up for a significant expansion that promises to reshape the landscape of professional women's basketball in North America. Over the next few years, the league plans to grow from its current 12 teams to 15 by the year 2026, setting the stage for new rivalries and increased fan engagement across fresh markets.
New Teams on the Horizon
The excitement begins in 2025 with the introduction of the Golden State Valkyries, who will bring the WNBA brand to the dynamic and basketball-savvy fans in California's Bay Area. A year later, Portland will also embrace a WNBA team, further extending the league's presence on the West Coast.
Canada is not left out of the expansion plans. By 2026, Toronto will proudly welcome a new franchise, marking a significant international step for the league as it taps into the growing basketball enthusiasm in Canada.
Looking Further Ahead
Beyond these confirmed expansions, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert envisions yet another addition by the 2028 season, potentially bringing the total number of franchises to 16. While that development is still in the planning stages, it highlights the league's progressive vision.
Philadelphia's Ambitions
Philadelphia stands out as a potential future home for a WNBA team. The city's mayor, Cherelle Parker, is an outspoken advocate for bringing professional women’s basketball to her 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,” Parker emphasized, highlighting the city's readiness to support a team and immerse in the growing women's basketball community.
Kansas City’s Prospective Entry
Kansas City is also in the mix for a WNBA team, boasting a strong foundation in college basketball events held at the T-Mobile Arena. Their ambition is bolstered by the enthusiastic support of NFL star Patrick Mahomes, who stated, “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.” His support reflects a broader community interest that could make Kansas City a viable host city.
Return to Houston?
Meanwhile, Houston seeks to rekindle its past WNBA glory. The city was once home to the Houston Comets, a team that made history by winning the inaugural WNBA championship in 1997. Speculation is rife that Houston might reestablish its presence in the league, with influential figures like Tilman Fertitta already in discussions to explore this possibility.
Such expansions and reestablishments are more than mere additions; they represent the WNBA's commitment to increasing visibility and accessibility for women’s basketball, paving the way for broader appeal and potentially heightened competitiveness in the league.
As these plans unfold, fans can look forward to a new era in the WNBA—a league that not only champions women in sports but also fulfills a growing global appetite for dynamic and exciting basketball.