The landscape of the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to undergo significant changes over the next few years as the league rolls out an ambitious plan to expand from 12 to 15 teams by 2026. This bold move underscores the league's commitment to growing the sport and tapping into new markets, offering promising opportunities for cities across North America.
Expansion Teams on the Horizon
Leading the charge in 2025, the Golden State Valkyries will enter the league, adding a new chapter to basketball's storied history in California. The following year will see the WNBA making its presence known in Portland, bringing professional women's basketball back to the heart of the Pacific Northwest after a long hiatus.
Another exciting development is the introduction of a Toronto-based franchise. Marking a significant expansion into Canada, it reflects the league's strategic vision and confident stride into international waters. Toronto has long been a basketball hotbed, and adding a WNBA team will no doubt intensify the city's burgeoning love affair with hoops.
Future Prospects and City Bids
Beyond 2026, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed a desire to expand even further, targeting a 16th team by the 2028 season. The enthusiasm for further expansion is palpable, with several cities throwing their hats into the ring as potential homes for future franchises.
Philadelphia, with its rich sports tradition, is a strong contender. The city's political leadership, led by Mayor Cherelle Parker, has voiced clear support for bringing a WNBA team to the City of Brotherly Love. "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, underscoring the city's readiness to embrace a WNBA team.
Similarly, Kansas City has displayed growing interest in hosting a WNBA franchise. Home to the T-Mobile Arena, a venue already familiar with hosting college basketball events, Kansas City could be a natural fit for the expansion. The idea has garnered the support of local sports figures, most notably Patrick Mahomes, who enthused, "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."
Houston's Historic Return?
Houston is another city yearning for the WNBA's return, as efforts to reestablish a team in this historically significant market gain momentum. Tilman Fertitta, a key figure in Houston's sports community, has initiated discussions about reviving a team in the area. The city was once proudly represented by the Houston Comets, a franchise that made history by winning the inaugural WNBA championship in 1997. A revival could not only reignite historic passions but also offer a platform to nurture new talent and invigorate the local sports ecosystem.
Conclusion
As the WNBA charts an exciting path forward, these expansions not only promise to elevate the league's profile but also bring the thrill of professional women's basketball to enthusiastic new audiences. With several cities eagerly positioning themselves for inclusion, the next few years are poised to be transformative, setting the stage for a broader, more inclusive future for the league and its fans. As these developments unfold, one thing is certain: the WNBA’s growth asserts its pivotal role not just in sports, but in cultural and community spheres alike.