The WNBA is entering a new era of growth, announcing a major expansion that will increase the league's roster to 18 teams by 2030. Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia are the latest cities to join the league, with each market slated to begin play between 2028 and 2030, pending final approval from the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors.
Cleveland will debut in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. The three new teams will follow Toronto and Portland, who are set to join the league in 2026. This expansion reflects the WNBA’s commitment to growing the game and increasing opportunities for athletes across North America.
Each new franchise paid a $250 million expansion fee — roughly five times more than what Golden State paid to establish the Valkyries, who began play in May 2025. The new ownership groups are also investing heavily in infrastructure, including dedicated practice facilities and community engagement initiatives.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized the league’s momentum, saying, “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher. This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.”
Each new team is backed by prominent NBA ownership. Dan Gilbert (Cleveland Cavaliers), Tom Gores (Detroit Pistons) and a group led by Josh Harris and David Blitzer (Philadelphia 76ers) are leading the efforts in their respective cities. The league considered several factors when selecting new markets, including local support, long-term ownership commitment and infrastructure readiness.
With the additions of Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, the WNBA is poised to significantly broaden its footprint, energize new fan bases and further solidify its role as a driving force in professional sports.
