The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is charting a bold course for expansion over the next few years, offering a glimpse of its future with plans to increase the league from its current lineup of 12 teams to 15 by 2026. This move is poised to bring the vibrant energy and competitive spirit of women's basketball to new markets and communities, further embedding the sport into the cultural fabric of North America.
Trailblazing Expansion
Key among the cities selected for this expansion are San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto. Each offers a unique market with a strong appetite for professional sports. The Golden State Valkyries, a name drawing deep connections with the area’s Norse mythological motif, will take to the courts in 2025, followed by a team in Portland, Oregon, and another in Toronto, Canada, by 2026. This expansion marks a strategic effort to tap into the Pacific Northwest and Canada's growing sports landscape, fostering not just fan engagement but also enhancing the league's geographic reach.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has not kept secret her aspirations for the league. As part of her broader vision, Engelbert has mentioned the possibility of adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season, signalling her long-term commitment to solidifying the WNBA's position as a global sporting influence.
New Frontiers and Support
Philadelphia emerges as a compelling candidate for a WNBA franchise. The recent remarks of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker underscore a groundswell of local support for professional women’s basketball. "We don't have a WNBA team here in the city of Philadelphia. Do any of y'all ever notice that? Y'all know y'all mayor don't like that," Parker exclaimed, emblematic of both civic enthusiasm and political backing for such a venture.
Kansas City also eyes a foray into the WNBA fold. The city, buoyed by diverse interests and practical support, is making its intentions known. T-Mobile Arena, with its history of hosting college basketball events, stands as a ready venue for possible WNBA matchups. Patrick Mahomes, the prominent NFL quarterback, backs this initiative wholeheartedly. "We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general and then WNBA. The success that they've had this last season and these last few seasons, it's kind of a no-brainer," Mahomes remarked, adding a powerful voice to the campaign for expansion.
Returning to Roots
Not to be overlooked, Houston is exploring the revival of its association with the WNBA. The city once celebrated the Houston Comets, a team etched in history as the first-ever WNBA champions in 1997. Business magnate Tilman Fertitta has initiated discussions to reestablish a WNBA presence in the city, recognizing both a historical legacy and a die-hard fanbase eager for a return to the league.
The potential expansion into these markets not only bodes well for the WNBA’s footprint but points to a wider movement advocating for women's sports on a global scale. With cities eager to join the league, the anticipation is palpable. It is an era marked by promising growth and diverse strategies, each driven by a unique narrative linking communities through the love of basketball. As these plans unfold, the WNBA stands on the brink of a transformative chapter, one that provides a platform for emerging talent while uniting fans across continents.
As the years roll towards 2026 and beyond, the WNBA’s expansion serves as a testament to its evolving dynamism, one cognizant of its storied past and keen on paving new pathways for future generations. Whether it be the symphony of cheers in a newly filled arena or the strategic negotiations undertaken by stakeholders, the league is prepared to embrace change, reinforcing its commitment to excellence and community both on and off the court.