WNBA announces 3 new expansion teams: Cleveland, Detroit & Philadelphia

The WNBA is making a bold move by expanding to 18 teams over the next five years, adding franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030), following the recent additions of Toronto and Portland over the next two years and Golden State (Bay Area, San Francisco) this year.

New Markets, New Beginnings

• Cleveland – Returning to the WNBA, the Cavaliers-backed team will play at Rocket Arena starting in 2028. Ownership by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group signals strong institutional support.
• Detroit – Reviving the league's presence in the city with the Shock’s former ownership under Tom Gores, alongside Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff. The team will debut in Little Caesars Arena in 2029.
• Philadelphia – A brand-new franchise entering a passionate basketball market in 2030, backed by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (76ers ownership), and boasting plans for a downtown arena and strong community ties.

Each expansion group paid a record $250 million expansion fee, reflecting the league's surging valuation and revenue potential. 

ANALYSIS: What's driving the growth of women’s basketball? It can be attributed to the culture and economic boom following Caitlin Clark’s arrival in the WNBA, which sparked a fan and financial surge – league values are up 180%, averaging $269 million, driven partly by Clark’s massive influence. With the NBA’s infrastructure, all new teams are NBA-affiliated, ensuring strong operational support and facilities. Detroit and Cleveland will utilize existing NBA arenas, while Philadelphia is developing new infrastructure. Finally, the league’s strategic momentum has these expansions aligning with a historic $2.2 billion media rights deal, a pending player-friendly CBA, and anticipated record-breaking free agency in 2026.

The WNBA is transforming from a 12-team league into a true coast-to-coast heavyweight by 2030. With franchises in key markets across the Midwest and East Coast, the league is poised to enhance rivalries, grow its fan base, and attract international attention.