WNBA makes major news with expansion of three new teams starting in 2028

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the stage Monday morning to make a major announcement about the league’s future.

With the sport’s rising popularity, sold-out arenas and star players gaining more national attention than ever, the league delivered a home run with its latest news.

Engelbert announced that the WNBA will expand to 18 teams over the next five years, aiming to reach that total by the 2030 season.

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Cleveland will be the first new city added, with its team beginning play in 2028. Detroit will follow, launching its franchise in the 2028 season. Finally, Philadelphia is set to become the third and final expansion team, expected to begin play in 2030.

All additions are pending formal approval by the NBA and WNBA Boards of Governors.

The announcement took place at the WNBA’s headquarters in Midtown Manhattan, New York. Founded in 1996, the league has seen three franchises capture four championships each: the Houston Comets, Minnesota Lynx and Seattle Storm.

Last season, the New York Liberty defeated the Minnesota Lynx to win their first WNBA title.

More details about the new franchises will be revealed in the coming months, but excitement is already in the air. The WNBA is officially growing, and by 2030, it will feature 18 teams.

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