WNBA Makes Shocking Announcement Monday

The WNBA has enjoyed a terrific run of late, with fan interest and engagement at an all-time high.

Now, the league appears poised to further capitalize on its new-found glory.

Per Doug Feinberg of The Associated Press, the league intends to add five additional teams by 2030 — beyond the two announced in Portland and Toronto for next season, Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia have all paid a $250 million expansion fee to get on the board. The move will bring the league's tally to 18 teams by the start of the next decade.

Cleveland is slated to have a WNBA franchise by 2028, Detroit will join it in 2029, and Philadelphia will have its own club by 2030. NBA ownership groups are all involved in these efforts.

“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” remarked Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores. “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition. 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.”