Get ready for more WNBA action! As the league celebrates its 30th season, the WNBA and the NBA Board of Governors have officially approved the addition of three new expansion teams: Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This exciting news follows the league’s initial approval last July and marks a significant moment for women’s basketball.
New Cities, New Franchises
These three cities join the growing WNBA family, which also welcomed the Portland Fire and Toronto Tempo this year, following the addition of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025. The new franchises will debut in staggered years: Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. This phased rollout allows each city ample time to prepare for their team’s launch.
The expansion comes just ahead of the highly anticipated WNBA Draft on Monday, April 13, at The Shed in New York City. The Dallas Wings hold the first pick, with the Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm selecting second and third, respectively. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire will also make their first selections at picks six and seven.
Draft Prospects and Season Kick-off
The list of players invited to this year’s draft includes top talent like Lauren Betts (UCLA), Azzi Fudd (Connecticut), and Flau’jae Johnson (LSU), among others. The new WNBA season is set to tip off on Friday, May 8, promising an exciting slate of games.
A New Era for the WNBA
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming season and the league’s expansion. ‘Season 30 arrives at the perfect transformational moment in our league’s history,’ she stated. ‘The unprecedented growth and momentum we’re experiencing today is the result of three decades of commitment… As we step into this next dynamic era together, Season 30 is tracking to be our most memorable yet.’
This expansion signifies a new era for the WNBA, highlighting the league’s continued growth and its commitment to elevating women’s basketball to unprecedented heights. The addition of these major markets is expected to further boost the league’s popularity and reach.
What are your predictions for the upcoming WNBA season and the new expansion teams? Share your thoughts in the comments below!