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Dawn Staley Reacts to WNBA's Major Announcement on Monday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Jun 30, 2025 1:04 PM ET

Few figures in women’s basketball are as successful or iconic as Dawn Staley, the legendary head coach of the South Carolina Gamecocks.

As a player, Staley was a six-time WNBA All-Star, two-time ABL All-Star, and three-time Olympic gold medalist with Team USA. Her legacy only deepened as a coach, earning her induction into both the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame. She has also led South Carolina to three national titles.

Staley’s voice carries significant influence throughout the basketball world. On Monday morning, she reacted to major news announced by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert: the league is expanding with new teams set to debut in Cleveland, Detroit, and Staley’s hometown of Philadelphia.

Posting on social media, Staley wrote, “PHILLY PHILLY y’all ready for the @philawnba?!! The countdown clock has started!!!”

PHILLY PHILLY yall ready for the @philawnba?!! The countdown clock has started!!!
— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) June 30, 2025

Commissioner Engelbert stated, “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family.”

Dawn Staley has long advocated for Philadelphia as a WNBA destination, and that vision will come to fruition in 2030 when the city debuts as the league’s 18th franchise. Cleveland and Detroit will follow in 2028, joining Portland and Toronto, which are set to launch in 2026 as previously announced.

"The Sixers have to get it going on and I do think it will be more welcomed,” Staley said on Kylie Kelce's podcast recently. “Timing is key. When the time is right, it will be around for a long time.”

The WNBA has reached new all-time heights in recent years. While many credit much of this success to Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark—who has undoubtedly played a major role—the league as a whole has grown and improved dramatically.

Several key figures have paved the way, including Staley, whose influence has helped players like Clark and Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese elevate the league’s popularity to a whole new level. This surge has been an extremely positive development for the game of women’s basketball and with the league now growing, it's only expected to continue.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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