As the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) continues to ride a wave of growth and popularity, plans are underway to expand its presence across North America. By 2026, the league aims to expand from the current dozen teams to 15, introducing fresh excitement around the league's future development.
Exciting New Additions
The upcoming years promise to be thrilling for basketball fans as the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the league in 2025. This addition will cement yet another connection for the passionate basketball culture in and around San Francisco. Not stopping there, the WNBA will further bolster its league with the establishment of a team in Portland by 2026, a city with a storied sports background and a fervent fan base.
Toronto, widely recognized as a dynamic sports hub, is also on the league's expansion radar set for 2026. It will be a jubilant return to Canada, where basketball was invented, surely to invigorate the league's fan engagement and viewership north of the border. The mission, it seems, is ambitious yet methodically charted out by Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, who has also expressed interest in adding a 16th team by 2028.
Eyes on Philadelphia
Philadelphia, known for its deep-seated sports rivalries and fiercely loyal fan base, is prominently being considered for a future WNBA team. The city has been abuzz with the notion, with local government officials publicly voicing their enthusiasm. "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," stated Mayor Cherelle Parker, emphasizing her strong support for bringing women's professional basketball to Philadelphia.
The Kansas City Ambition
Meanwhile, Kansas City is making its case as a worthy contender for hosting a WNBA team. The city's T-Mobile Arena already has a track record for hosting high-profile college basketball events, demonstrating its capacity and infrastructure readiness. Adding weight to this bid is none other than Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who declared, "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." Mahomes' endorsement highlights the burgeoning local interest in expanding Kansas City's sports portfolio.
Houston's Legacy Revisited
In the heart of Texas, Houston is exploring the potential reestablishment of its WNBA legacy. Previously represented by the Comets, who notched a unique achievement by clinching the league's inaugural championship in 1997, Houston's basketball heritage is revered. Billionaire businessman Tilman Fertitta is reportedly engaged in discussions to revive the WNBA magic in Houston, a move that would bring fresh enthusiasm and opportunities for women's basketball in the region.
As the WNBA sets sights on expanding its boundaries, the move is more than a mere increase in numbers. It's a testament to the league's advancing stature and the increasing representation of women's sports on major platforms. With cities like Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Houston showing substantial interest, there's an undeniable momentum fueling this evolution.
The league's expansion strategy not only promises new geographical reach but also invites more diverse audiences to experience the scintillating quality of women's professional basketball. As these plans take shape, the landscape of the WNBA promises to be richer, more competitive, and reflective of a passionate and diverse fan base, growing the game's footprint across both familiar and untapped territories.