WNBA approves expansion to these three cities
With the three new franchises, the total will reach 18, a record high. Two of the new teams will begin their seasons this year.
The NBA and WNBA Boards of Governors approved the expansion of the women’s basketball league on Thursday with three new franchises in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030, according to a statement.
Although the WNBA announced nearly a year ago its plan to expand into those cities, Thursday’s decision by the NBA Board of Governors makes the arrival of the new franchises official.
In 2026, the WNBA, which will tip off on May 8, will grow from 13 to 15 franchises with the addition of the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo.
With the later arrival of the three new teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, the league will reach 18 franchises in 2030, surpassing its previous high of 16 from 2000 to 2002.
In addition, in 2027, the Connecticut Sun will relocate to Houston for the return of the Comets, the historic franchise that won the WNBA’s first four titles, folded in 2008 and still remains the most decorated team in league history.
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