NEW YORK — Marking a major leap in its growth trajectory, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced the addition of three new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, set to join the league between 2028 and 2030.
The expansion, revealed on Monday by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, signals an ambitious move to deepen the league’s national presence and build on its surging popularity. Cleveland will return to the league in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia, making its league debut, in 2030.
“These are proud sports cities with deep-rooted legacies,” Engelbert said during the announcement. “This expansion marks not just a growth in numbers, but a significant evolution of the WNBA’s footprint in American sports.”
The announcement follows a period of unprecedented momentum for the league, driven by record viewership, rising attendance, and the star power of breakout players such as Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever and Angel Reese of the Chicago Sky. Capitalizing on this cultural wave, the WNBA is pushing forward with aggressive expansion plans after years of calls from fans and athletes for more teams.
The league welcomed its first new franchise in over a decade this year with the debut of the Golden State Valkyries, and is preparing for further growth with Portland and Toronto teams slated to begin play in 2026. Originally targeting 16 teams by 2028, the WNBA opted to fast-track its expansion to 18, citing overwhelming interest from potential markets. “As we evaluated the demand and quality of ownership groups, it became clear we had an opportunity to do something bigger,” said Engelbert.
All three new franchises will be affiliated with their respective NBA teams: the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Detroit Pistons. This alignment ensures strong ownership and infrastructure from day one. For Philadelphia, this marks the city’s inaugural WNBA team. “This wasn’t just a good idea; it was a responsibility,” said 76ers owner Josh Harris. “We’re building a franchise that girls across the region can believe in and cheer for.”
Cleveland and Detroit both return to the league after previous stints. The Cleveland Rockers, one of the original eight WNBA teams in 1997, ceased operations in 2003 due to financial constraints. The Detroit Shock, champions of three league titles, played from 1998 until relocating in 2009. The WNBA’s bold expansion strategy reflects a broader global shift toward increased investment in women’s sports and positions the league as a leading force in that movement.