The WNBA is leveling up in a serious means. The league introduced that three new groups—Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia—are formally becoming a member of the W’s rising roster, pushing the league to 18 groups by the 12 months 2030.
Cleveland is first up, taking the court docket in 2028. Detroit follows in 2029, and Philly is on deck for 2030, pending ultimate approval from the NBA and WNBA board of governors. This information comes scorching on the heels of Toronto and Portland’s confirmed launches in 2025.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioned the expansion is pushed by an explosion in demand for girls’s basketball. “This historic growth is a strong reflection of our league’s momentum,” she shared.
Every of the brand new franchises pays a hefty $250 million growth price—5 instances what Golden State paid to launch the Valkyries. All three incoming groups are backed by NBA possession teams and are committing to further investments in follow services and participant facilities.
Detroit and Cleveland aren’t any strangers to the WNBA. Each cities beforehand hosted groups—the Shock and the Rockers—and should revive these names, although homeowners say they’ll seek the advice of followers earlier than deciding. Philly, in the meantime, was as soon as dwelling to an ABL group however is now coming into the WNBA for the primary time.
Detroit Pistons proprietor Tom Gores referred to as the transfer a long-awaited homecoming, including that native sports activities icons Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and NFL quarterback Jared Goff will all have minority stakes within the group.
The Cleveland and Detroit squads will share NBA arenas with their male counterparts. Philadelphia’s group will use current venues just like the Wells Fargo Heart till their deliberate new area opens—hopefully by 2030.
This growth provides extra regional rivalries to the combo. Anticipate contemporary matchups between Detroit and Cleveland, Philly and New York, and extra. Leaders in all three cities say they’re excited to construct on their NBA legacies.
The WNBA acquired growth bids from cities together with Houston, Charlotte, Miami, and Denver, with Houston—dwelling of the unique Comets—nonetheless excessive on the league’s radar for future progress.
Engelbert harassed that the rollout is spaced out deliberately, so the league doesn’t stretch its expertise pool too skinny. However with rising TV scores, sold-out arenas, and booming youth engagement, particularly amongst women, the league says it’s prepared for extra.
Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Leisure, which owns the Cavaliers, mentioned the demand is actual and rising quick. “The quickest rising group in our Cavs youth academy is women. It’s rising 30% 12 months over 12 months.”
With followers, cash, and momentum all rising, the WNBA’s subsequent chapter is shaping as much as be its strongest but.
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