WNBA Expansion: New Teams and Emerging Markets
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is poised for a significant expansion, setting its sights on growing the league from its current 12 teams to 15 by 2026. The move reflects a strategic effort to capitalize on the increasing popularity of women's basketball and the success the league has enjoyed in recent seasons.
New Entrants: Golden State, Portland, and Toronto
Among the newly announced franchises, the Golden State Valkyries will make their debut in 2025, adding another team in the basketball-rich state of California. Following suit, Portland will introduce a team in 2026, reigniting the city's passion for professional basketball after previously hosting an NBA team. Completing this expansion trio is Toronto, which will welcome its own WNBA team by 2026. This move marks an important step for the league as it taps into the Canadian market, offering fans north of the border a home team to rally behind.
Beyond 2026: Further Expansion Plans
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed a vision that stretches beyond the immediate expansion. She has shown interest in potentially adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. Philadelphia is among the foremost candidates being considered, with Mayor Cherelle Parker publicly supporting the idea. "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," she remarked, highlighting the city's desire for inclusion in the league's growth.
Kansas City is another city on the WNBA's radar. The enthusiasm from local sports figures, including NFL star Patrick Mahomes, underscores the city's campaign to host a franchise. Mahomes stated, "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." The city's T-Mobile Arena, already a venue for college basketball events, presents a ready-made facility for hosting games.
The Legacy of Houston and the Prospect of Revival
Houston makes for a compelling narrative in the expansion story, offering the possibility of reestablishing a WNBA team. The city was previously home to the Houston Comets, famed for winning the first-ever WNBA championship in 1997 and setting an early benchmark for excellence in the league. NFL and NBA businessman Tilman Fertitta has initiated talks about bringing a WNBA team back to Houston. His involvement could be a catalyst for the city's reentry into the league.
As cities vie for the opportunity to join or rejoin the WNBA family, there is palpable excitement and anticipation about the positive impact a new team could have on local communities and the league at large. The discussion around these new franchises highlights the growing influence and reach of women's sports, with the WNBA paving the way as a leader in this arena.
In sum, the unfolding expansion narrative points to more than just an increase in the number of teams. It signifies a broader movement towards increased recognition, opportunity, and celebration of women's athletics, ensuring that the game continues to thrive well into the future.