NEW YORK (June 30, 2025) — In a landmark move that underscores the skyrocketing demand for women’s basketball, the WNBA announced Monday that it will expand to 18 teams by the 2030 season, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia set to join the league alongside previously confirmed expansion franchises in Toronto and Portland.

This strategic growth marks the largest wave of expansion in league history, with Cleveland launching in 2028, Detroit following in 2029, and Philadelphia rounding out the trio in 2030—pending final approval from the NBA and WNBA Boards of Governors.

“The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This historic expansion is 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.”

Each of the three new franchises will be owned and operated by NBA ownership groups, who each paid a reported $250 million expansion fee, signaling a massive investment in the women’s game. The expansion costs far exceed previous benchmarks, including the $50 million reportedly paid by the Golden State Warriors for the San Francisco Valkyries.

Familiar Territory, New Beginnings

The announcements mark a return to the WNBA for two iconic basketball cities:

• Cleveland, home to the former Rockers, will resurrect its connection with the league via Rock Entertainment Group, parent company of the NBA’s Cavaliers.

• Detroit, once home to the three-time champion Shock, will return under the guidance of Pistons owner Tom Gores, with support from high-profile minority stakeholders like Grant Hill, Chris Webber, and Jared Goff.

• Philadelphia, though never home to a WNBA team, once housed an ABL franchise and will now build a modern venue in hopes of establishing a new fan base and long-term legacy.

“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” said Gores. “We’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights.”

All three teams will play in NBA arenas, with Philadelphia’s new venue expected to be completed by 2030. Until then, the team is slated to share time between Wells Fargo Center and Xfinity Live! facilities.

What’s in a Name?

While both “Rockers” and “Shock” are being considered for Cleveland and Detroit respectively, leadership says they will engage in fan consultation and brand research before making any final decisions.

“We’re not going to commit to a brand identity just yet,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group. “We want to really get into it with our fans.”

Rivalries Rekindled and Regional Strength

This expansion not only boosts the league’s footprint but also reinvigorates traditional NBA rivalries within the WNBA context. Matchups between Detroit and Cleveland, and Philadelphia and New York, are already drawing anticipation.

“I would love nothing more than to replicate the rivalries we see in the NBA,” said Arn Tellem, VP of the Pistons.

Future Cities and Talent Considerations

While this round of expansion focused on basketball-rich markets, Commissioner Engelbert revealed that cities like Houston, Miami, Nashville, and Denver remain strong contenders for future bids.

“The Houston Comets were trailblazers in this league. That’s a legacy we’re paying close attention to,” Engelbert added.

Still, the league remains cautious of overextending too quickly, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competitive balance and a sustainable talent pool.

“We’re very careful to ensure we balance roster spots with the number of teams,” Engelbert said. “But from a media, corporate, and community standpoint, these additions make us stronger.”

Metrics Confirm Momentum

The league’s decision is backed by hard data. According to Engelbert, WNBA attendance, TV ratings, digital engagement, and sponsorship revenue have all seen double-digit increases in the last three seasons. The rise in girls’ youth basketball participation is also fueling demand.

“The fastest-growing segment of our Cavs Youth Academy is girls,” Barlage noted. “We’re creating not just teams—but role models.”

As the league prepares for its most ambitious growth spurt in history, one thing is clear: the future of women’s professional basketball is not only expanding—it’s thriving.