By News18
The Women鈥檚 National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced a significant expansion to 18 teams, introducing new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This expansion, pending approval from the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors, represents a major milestone in the WNBA鈥檚 dedication to growing the sport.
These three new teams will join the league鈥檚 current roster of 15 teams, which includes the Golden State Valkyries, who started playing in May 2025, along with previously announced expansion teams in Toronto, Canada (2026) and Portland, Oregon (2026). The Cleveland team is set to begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030.
According to the WNBA, each location was chosen based on an evaluation of market viability, committed long-term ownership groups, the potential for strong local fan, corporate, media, and city and state support, as well as arena and practice facilities, and community commitment to advancing the sport, among other factors.
鈥淭he demand for women鈥檚 basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,鈥 said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The new WNBA team in Cleveland will be owned and operated by Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the umbrella entity for REG Chairman Dan Gilbert鈥檚 sports and entertainment properties under the Rock Family of Companies. Dan Gilbert acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, leading the team to seven Central Division titles, five Eastern Conference titles, and the 2016 NBA Championship.
鈥淭he WNBA鈥檚 return to Cleveland marks a pivotal moment for women鈥檚 sports. Years from now, we will reflect on this day as a truly monumental point in Cleveland sports history,鈥 said Rock Entertainment Group Chairman Gilbert.
The Detroit WNBA ownership group is led by Tom Gores, his wife Holly, and some of the most accomplished figures in global sports, business, entertainment, media, and finance. Gores is the owner of the Detroit Pistons. The WNBA is also making its return to Detroit, where the Shock played from 1998-2009, winning three championships.
The Philadelphia WNBA team will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and will join the organization鈥檚 dynamic global sports portfolio. The team will be an extension of HBSE鈥檚 commitment to delivering high-performing teams that strengthen the communities where they play.
With IANS Inputs