The WNBA is ambitiously eyeing expansion, aiming to grow to 16 teams by 2028, as Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced. The league is already set to introduce a 13th team in the Bay Area for the 2025 season, with plans for a 14th team in 2026. Potential cities for expansion include Philadelphia, Toronto, Portland, Denver, Nashville, South Florida, and Charlotte, although final decisions are pending.
Engelbert emphasized the complexity of selecting new cities, citing the need for suitable arenas, practice facilities, player housing, and committed ownership groups. Despite challenges, the league is receiving substantial interest from various cities, reflecting optimism for expansion.
Portland was previously under consideration for a team, but negotiations with a potential ownership group fell through, highlighting the unpredictable nature of expansion efforts. While no specific timeline was provided for future team announcements, Engelbert expressed confidence in achieving the goal of 16 teams by 2028.
The impending expansion aligns with the league’s broader objectives, particularly regarding media rights. With current TV deals set to expire after the 2025 season, the WNBA is already attracting interest from potential media partners. The expansion would provide additional content for broadcasters, enhancing the league’s appeal and negotiating leverage for its next rights deal.
Engelbert stressed the significance of the upcoming media rights negotiations, indicating their crucial role in shaping the league’s trajectory and financial health. The entry of promising talents like Caitlin Clark, along with other collegiate stars, adds further anticipation for the league’s future growth and viewer engagement.
The league is poised to hold its expansion draft for the Bay Area team in December, following the conclusion of the season but preceding the next WNBA Draft. This strategic timing underscores the league’s careful planning and management of expansion efforts amidst other key events in the WNBA calendar.
The WNBA’s expansion plans represent a pivotal phase in its evolution, with implications for its competitive landscape, fan base, and media partnerships. As the league seeks to capitalize on its momentum and secure its long-term viability, expansion, and media rights negotiations will shape its trajectory in the years to come.
