WNBA announces expansion to Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert made a statement about the upcoming expansion.

“This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball,” Engelbert said.

Detroit previous had a WNBA team in the Shock from 1998 to 2009. The Shock also saw much success on the court, as they won three WNBA titles in 2003, 2006 and 2008. In 2009, they relocated Tulsa, Oklahoma to become the Tulsa Shock, and later moved again to become the Dallas Wings.

The owner of the Detroit Pistons, Tom Gores, is leading the group for the new Detroit franchise.

“Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition,” Gores said. “Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights. Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”

This is great news for a league that has long been overdue for earning its respect. Hopefully, fans will continue to tune in as the WNBA keeps growing to new heights.