WNBA Announces Expansion With Three New Teams In Cleveland, Detroit, And Philadelphia By 2030

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The WNBA is set to expand, with new teams joining in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia over the next five years. Cleveland will start in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. This expansion will bring the league to 18 teams by 2030, as Toronto and Portland are also joining in 2026.

Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, expressed excitement about this growth. "The demand for women's basketball has never been higher," she stated. "This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league's extraordinary momentum." The addition of these teams highlights the increasing interest and investment in women's professional basketball.

Both Cleveland and Detroit have had WNBA teams before. The new Cleveland team will be managed by Rock Entertainment Group and play at an NBA arena. Detroit's team will also use an NBA venue and is led by Pistons owner Tom Gores. Sports figures Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff hold minority stakes.

Philadelphia plans to build a new venue for its team debuting in 2030. Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment Managing Partner Josh Harris will own this franchise. Harris also owns the Philadelphia 76ers.

Legacy Names Under Consideration

The previous Cleveland team was known as the Rockers, while Detroit's was called the Shock. The new ownership groups are considering these names but are open to exploring other options before making a final decision.

Nic Barlage from Rock Entertainment Group commented on the expansion: "It's such a natural fit when you already have this basketball-related infrastructure." He added that extending into the WNBA aligns with their growth ambitions.

This expansion marks a significant step forward for women's basketball, reflecting its rising popularity and investment interest across North America.