WNBA Announces New Expansion Locations

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced that Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia will be the next cities to join the league through expansion. Cleveland will join in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” said Engelbert. These cities were selected as part of the league’s long-term strategy to grow its national presence and fan base. With the addition of these three teams, the WNBA will expand to a total of 18 franchises.  

In 2028, Cleveland will make a highly anticipated return to the league, bringing back one of the WNBA’s eight original franchises: the Cleveland Rockers. The Rockers were part of the league’s inaugural season in 1997 and quickly established a passionate fan base. Known for their gritty play and competitive spirit, the Rockers made multiple playoff appearances before folding in 2003 due to ownership changes. Their return, two and a half decades later, represents not just a homecoming for professional women’s basketball in Ohio, but a nod to the league’s roots and its renewed commitment to legacy markets. 

The following year, in 2029, Detroit will rejoin the WNBA landscape with the revival of another storied franchise. The Detroit Shock, who played from 1998 until 2009, were one of the most successful teams in league history. The Shock won three WNBA Championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008, becoming a dominant force in the league. After relocating to Tulsa in 2010 and later rebranding as the Dallas Wings in 2016, the franchise’s history has spanned multiple cities. Now, with Detroit getting a fresh team, the city has a chance to build a new chapter while honoring the championship pedigree of its past. 

Then, in 2030, the WNBA will break new ground with the addition of a team in Philadelphia, marking the league’s first franchise in the city. Despite being one of the largest sports markets in the country and a hub for basketball culture, Philadelphia has never before had a WNBA team. That will change as the city joins the league as its newest expansion market, bringing professional women’s basketball to a new generation of fans. The Philadelphia franchise is expected to tap into the region’s rich basketball tradition and could become a cornerstone of the league’s future on the East Coast. 

This latest wave of expansion marks a major milestone for the WNBA and the growth of women’s basketball as a whole. Adding three new teams will create dozens of new roster spots, providing more opportunities for top college players and international talent to compete at the highest level. It also reflects the surging popularity of the sport, with record-breaking attendance, increased media coverage, and a rapidly growing fan base. By investing in new markets and expanding its reach, the league is not only strengthening its competitive landscape but also paving the way for the next generation of stars. With 18 teams by 2030, the WNBA is poised for its most exciting and impactful era yet — and there may be even more teams to come.