The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is gearing up for a significant expansion, promising to reshape the landscape of women's professional basketball in North America. With plans to grow from 12 to 15 teams by 2026, the league is making bold moves to enhance its presence and fan engagement across the continent.
New Teams on the Horizon
Among the exciting developments, the Golden State Valkyries are set to join the league in 2025. This addition marks a new chapter for the WNBA on the West Coast. The inclusion of a team in Portland in 2026 further solidifies the league's commitment to expanding its footprint in the region, providing fans in the Pacific Northwest with a local WNBA team to support. In Toronto, basketball enthusiasts will see the city's passion for the sport rewarded with its own franchise by 2026, marking a pivotal expansion into the Canadian market.
Growth and Vision for the Future
Looking beyond these new teams, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed an ambition to expand further, hinting at the potential introduction of a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. This vision not only underscores the league’s growth trajectory but also its determination to broaden the reach of women’s basketball.
Cities to Watch: Philadelphia and Kansas City
Speculation and interest abound in cities like Philadelphia, where local officials and sports supporters are eager to see a team established. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker has candidly remarked, "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," highlighting her proactive stance in advocating for a local franchise.
Meanwhile, Kansas City has thrown its hat into the ring, buoyed by local sports figures like NFL star Patrick Mahomes, who has voiced substantial support for the venture. "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 commented, emphasizing the region's readiness and enthusiasm for a professional women's basketball team. Notably, Kansas City's T-Mobile Arena, which has experience hosting college basketball events, could serve as a viable venue for a future franchise.
Houston's Basketball Legacy
In another intriguing development, Houston is actively exploring the possibility of reintroducing a WNBA team. This city, once home to the beloved Houston Comets, carries a rich basketball legacy. The Comets, who clinched the first-ever WNBA championship in 1997, remain a cherished part of Houston's sports history. Talks spearheaded by Tilman Fertitta aim to reestablish the city's position in the WNBA, a move that could reignite Houston's storied connection with women's professional basketball.
As the WNBA's plans unfold, the league's ongoing expansion promises to not only enhance its competitive spirit but also to foster new communities of fans across North America. Each city vying for a franchise brings a unique narrative and potential to the league's emerging landscape, reflecting the broader enthusiasm for women's sports in an ever-evolving sporting world.