WNBA Eyes Major Expansion: New Teams in San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto
In a groundbreaking initiative set to reshape the landscape of women's professional basketball, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced plans to expand from 12 to 15 teams by 2026. This ambitious growth strategy will introduce new teams in key markets such as San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto, with each city poised to inject fresh excitement and regional rivalries into the league.
The first new addition, the Golden State Valkyries, will make their debut in 2025, bringing the WNBA to the Bay Area's passionate sports fans. San Francisco's deep-rooted basketball culture, bolstered by the success of its NBA counterpart, the Golden State Warriors, makes it an ideal location for the Valkyries. With this strategic placement, the league hopes to capture the vibrant sports fervor of Northern California.
Following closely, Portland will welcome its own WNBA team in 2026. Known for its enthusiastic basketball fan base and supportive community, Portland is expected to embrace its new franchise with open arms. The addition of a team in the Pacific Northwest will no doubt reignite regional rivalries and foster new partnerships across the WNBA’s landscape.
Simultaneously, Toronto will mark the WNBA's foray into international territory, expanding the league beyond American borders for the first time. Canada's basketball enthusiasm has surged in recent years, and a team in Toronto could serve as a beacon for female athletes in the country, paving the way for expanded opportunities and talent development north of the border.
Prospects for Further Expansion
While the current expansion plan elevates the WNBA to 15 teams, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has hinted at the possibility of adding a 16th franchise by the 2028 season. Among the cities vying for this potential expansion are Philadelphia, Kansas City, and Houston—each with compelling reasons and influential supporters championing their cause.
Philadelphia's potential addition to the league has captured the attention of local officials, including Mayor Cherelle Parker, who has emphasized the city's readiness and enthusiasm to host a WNBA team. "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 remarked, underscoring her commitment to bringing professional women's basketball to Philadelphia.
Kansas City has also thrown its hat into the ring, backed by both interest from the city's sports community and a ringing endorsement from NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes. "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 stated, reflecting the growing momentum behind the bid.
Houston's Revered Legacy
Houston's desire to reestablish a WNBA team taps into the storied history of the Houston Comets, the team that captured the first-ever WNBA championship in 1997. Tilman Fertitta has initiated discussions around bringing the WNBA back to Houston, fueling hopes of reviving the city's rich basketball heritage.
With each of these markets presenting unique opportunities, the WNBA's expansion could not only grow the league's geographic footprint but also enhance its competitive and commercial viability. As the WNBA continues to flourish, the expansion promises to bring the excitement of women's basketball to new audiences, cementing the league's status as a premier platform for athletic excellence and empowerment.
As the countdown to 2026 begins, fans, cities, and aspiring athletes alike are watching closely to see how this expansion reshapes the future of the WNBA, heralding a new era of growth and possibility.