NEW YORK (June 30, 2025) – The WNBA is set to grow its footprint dramatically, unveiling plans on Monday to expand from 12 to 18 teams by 2030, with franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030) .
Philadelphia’s Historic Debut
First-ever WNBA franchise in the city: Philadelphia has never hosted a WNBA team, marking a significant milestone for women’s sports in the city
Ownership and venue: The team will be led by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (the owners of the 76ers and NHL’s Devils), fronted by Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, and Brian Roberts
Games will be held at the upcoming New South Philadelphia Arena, slated to open in 2031—but the team hopes it may debut there as soon as 2030. If the arena isn’t ready, they’ll play at the Wells Fargo Center (soon to be renamed Xfinity Mobile Arena)
Expansion Game Plan
Timeline of new teams:
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Cleveland returns to the league in 2028.
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Detroit follows in 2029, reviving a former WNBA powerhouse
- Philadelphia joins in 2030, making it the first brand-new city in the modern WNBA era
- Record-breaking fees: Each franchise paid $250 million, roughly five times more than the recent Golden State Valkyries expansion fee
- NBA-backed ownership: All three new teams are controlled by NBA parent-organization owners, tapping into established arenas and infrastructure
Why Now? A Story of Booming Momentum
Viewer surge: WNBA ratings skyrocketed—with viewership on ESPN up 170% to 1.2 million per game last season, fuelled in part by Caitlin Clark’s immense popularity and rookie breakout
Media deals: A new media rights agreement worth more than $200 million annually begins next year, deepening investment in the league
Business health: Average team valuations are up approximately 180% year-over-year, with the Golden State Valkyries achieving a historic $500 million valuation—proof of the league’s untapped commercial potential
Challenges Ahead & the Outlook
Player compensation: Despite the league’s financial boom, rookie salaries remain under $80,000, lagging far behind rising franchise valuations. This wage disparity has sparked criticism from players and the possibility of collective bargaining tension
Maintaining talent depth: As the league expands rapidly, commissioners have emphasized careful growth to ensure talent levels remain strong
Branding & engagement: City ownership groups are expected to solicit fan input on team names and branding—Cleveland may revive the “Rockers,” Detroit could resurrect the “Shock,” while Philadelphia is starting with a clean slate
Commissioner’s Vision
Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner, described the move as “historic,” stating: “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher… 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.”
Philadelphia’s WNBA Launch: A New Era
This marks Philadelphia’s first major professional sports expansion since 2008, cementing its status as a top-tier sports city. With Caitlin Clark elevating national interest, the WNBA has seized its moment—poised for unprecedented growth through its 2030 expansion.
As the league charts new territory and sets its sights on 18 teams, all eyes will be on Philadelphia’s entry—and the long-term impact on women’s sports in the marketplace.
