The WNBA has revealed plans for the addition of three new expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia within the next five years. “The demand for women’s basketball is at an all-time high, and we are excited to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia into the WNBA community,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert on Monday. “This significant expansion demonstrates the remarkable progress of our league, the abundance of talent within the sport, and the increasing interest in investing in women’s professional basketball.”
Key Points about the New WNBA Expansion Teams:
– The WNBA is set to grow to 18 teams with the inclusion of new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
– The Cleveland team is scheduled to commence play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approvals from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors.
The ownership groups of the new teams consist of NBA figures, with Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, leading the Ohio franchise. Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighted the natural synergy between existing basketball structures and the WNBA expansion. In Detroit, team ownership includes Tom Gores of the Detroit Pistons, along with sports icons Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff holding minority stakes in the team.
Each of the three new teams has paid a $250 million expansion fee, signaling a significant investment in the WNBA. Moreover, additional resources will be directed towards constructing practice facilities and enhancing amenities for the teams.
In Philadelphia, which has not previously had a WNBA team, ownership is held by Josh Harris, co-founder of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and current owner of the Philadelphia 76ers. The team is anticipated to launch in 2031, although there is a possibility of a 2030 debut.
While team names have not been finalized, the Cleveland and Detroit ownership groups are considering reviving the Rockers and Shock identities, respectively, pending further evaluation and fan feedback.
