WNBA Announces Expansion: New Teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced a significant expansion, adding new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This move will increase the league's total to 18 teams by 2030, reflecting the growing popularity and investment in women's professional basketball.

The Cleveland franchise is set to begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Each new team is affiliated with existing NBA franchises:

• Cleveland: Owned by Rock Entertainment Group, led by Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
• Detroit: Owned by Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons.
• Philadelphia: Owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, led by Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.

"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 WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. "This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball."

Both Cleveland and Detroit have histories with the WNBA. The Cleveland Rockers were one of the league's original eight teams, playing from 1997 until folding in 2003 due to financial struggles and low attendance. The Detroit Shock, established in 1998, won three WNBA championships (2003, 2006, 2008) and ranked in the top five in attendance for five consecutive seasons before relocating to Tulsa in 2010 and later becoming the Dallas Wings.

Each new team will benefit from strong ownership and infrastructure:

• Cleveland: The team will play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cavaliers, and plans to retrofit a practice facility in Independence, Ohio.
• Detroit: Home games will be at Little Caesars Arena, with a new practice facility planned at the former Uniroyal site on the Detroit riverfront.
• Philadelphia: The team will play at a new arena being built in downtown Philadelphia, scheduled for completion in 2031. If the arena isn't ready by 2030, games will be held at the Wells Fargo Center.

The expansion involves substantial financial commitments. Each new team paid a $250 million expansion fee, significantly higher than previous fees, indicating increased valuations and investor confidence in the WNBA. Beyond expansion fees, owners are investing in new practice facilities and other amenities to support the teams.

The expansion signifies the WNBA's growing influence. Adding teams in major sports markets enhances the league's profile and accessibility. The presence of professional women's basketball teams provides young athletes with local role models and aspirations. Teams are expected to engage with local communities, promoting women's sports and contributing to local economies.

This expansion is part of a broader growth trend. The WNBA has been expanding its footprint, with recent additions like the Golden State Valkyries in 2025 and planned teams in Toronto and Portland in 2026. The league secured a $2.2 billion media rights deal, reflecting increased viewership and commercial interest. Negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement are underway, with expectations for increased player salaries and benefits.

The WNBA's expansion into Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia marks a significant milestone in the league's history, promising to enrich the sports landscape and inspire future generations of athletes and fans.