The WNBA Is Expanding — Here’s Why It Matters More Than Ever
Cleveland. Detroit. Philadelphia. A new era of women’s basketball is here.
Breaking news: The WNBA is making historic moves, and it’s about time. The league has officially announced three new expansion teams: Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). This comes on the heels of the Toronto and Portland announcements, both set to tip off in 2026, bringing the WNBA to 18 teams by 2030. The most in league history! This is more than just growth. It’s a statement: women’s basketball is thriving, and it’s finally being met with the investment, infrastructure, and attention it’s always deserved. Here's what you need to know.
Cleveland Returns to the WNBA
They call it the Rock and Roll Capital for a reason! Cleveland was previously home to the Rockers from 1997 to 2003, but financial struggles and declining attendance led to the organization's folding. Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group will own this franchise in addition to the Cavaliers, already giving them access to an arena and a fan base that has been waiting to see the rebirth of their hometown team.
Fun fact: Clevelanders have been pushing for this return for years. The energy in that arena? It’s going to be electric.
Detroit: A Championship Legacy Reignited
Another city is bringing back the W! The Detroit Shock were a force to be reckoned with, winning three championships before relocating to Tulsa, and are currently known as the Dallas Wings. Now, Pistons owner Tom Gores and his wife Holly Gores will be investing in this franchise, in addition to minority stakes from basketball legends Chris Webber and Grant Hill. Detroit is no stranger to basketball, and its early investment in the W in its formative years played a significant role in shaping its current state. So, what better way to pay the city back than giving them their franchise that they’ve missed for so long? Playing out of Little Caesars Arena alongside the Detroit Pistons, a town that holds a strong history for basketball, is ready to get back into the W.
Philadelphia Enters the Chat
Philly has always had a passionate sports culture, and the choice to bring a WNBA team to the city is a result of that long-standing impact. The new franchise will be led by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which also owns the 76ers. It was recently announced that the Sixers and Flyers are getting a new arena built. While it won’t be complete by 2030, when Philly’s WNBA team is set to begin, the team will eventually play there when the arena opens. Let’s just say this: we think we found our newest Philly/New York sports rivalry.
It’s also important to note that Dawn Staley, the University of South Carolina’s women’s basketball head coach, previously stated that she would be interested in owning a team in Philly, her hometown. Back in January, she signed a contract extension with South Carolina until 2030. Listen, the timing might be a coincidence, but maybe her ambitions extend beyond owning the team.
What WNBA Expansion Means for Current Teams
With new teams, come expansion drafts — and some big decisions.
When the Golden State Valkyries joined, each existing team could protect six players, while the rest were eligible for selection. One key rule? Teams can “core” one player, giving them supermax pay and exclusive rights — even if they’re an unrestricted free agent (UFA).
But here’s the twist: players can only be cored twice in their career. If they’ve already been cored twice, an expansion team can’t touch them, even if they’re unprotected. That means teams like the New York Liberty, for example, can technically protect eight players — since stars like Breanna Stewart and Jonquel Jones are already core-maxed.
As more teams join, the league may adjust these rules to balance player availability. Will they allow teams to protect fewer players? Limit the number of picks new teams can make? It’s all on the table.
What This Expansion Really Means for the WNBA
Superstar Breanna Stewart has been cored twice by the New York Liberty, and Finals MVP Jonquel Jones was cored twice while playing for the Connecticut Sun, so the franchise only needs to protect six other players. If either of them were to become UFAs, they can’t be cored by an expansion team, so this means that technically, the Liberty can protect eight players, giving them a significant advantage.
The WNBA is entering a new era — one of growth, depth, and visibility. By 2030, five new teams will have joined the league. That means:
More roster spots for college stars and international talent
More local markets to grow the fanbase
More rivalries, storylines, and legacies in the making
From expansion drafts to player movement to the evolution of team strategy, the ripple effects will be felt across the league.
Why We Invest in Women’s Sports
This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about equity, momentum, and opportunity. The WNBA's expansion is proof that when we believe in women’s sports, when we invest with intention — everyone wins.
Want to support the growth of the WNBA?
Share this story, buy tickets when new teams launch, follow the players and teams on social media, and most of all: watch the games.
The future of women’s basketball is here — and it’s only just getting started.