WNBA Eye Expansion to 16 Teams by 2028

THREE POINTER:

• Expansion Plans: WNBA aims to expand to 16 teams by 2028.
• Cities in the Mix: Philadelphia, Toronto, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and South Florida eyed for the 14th team.
• Popularity Surge: Collegiate stars boost WNBA’s popularity, influencing expansion.

The WNBA is setting the stage for a major league expansion, eyeing to increase its roster to 16 teams within the next five years. This ambitious plan reflects the league’s robust growth and the skyrocketing popularity of women’s basketball.

Potential New Hubs for WNBA

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert recently highlighted six cities that could potentially host the league’s 14th team. The cities on this prestigious shortlist include Philadelphia, Toronto, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and South Florida. Each of these locations has shown great enthusiasm and potential for supporting a professional women’s basketball team.

“Philadelphia, Toronto, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and South Florida are all places being explored to host a 14th team,” stated Engelbert.

The push for expansion isn’t just about adding numbers. It’s a strategic move to tap into new markets and harness the growing fan base of women’s basketball. The recent surge in the sport’s popularity, thanks largely to standout collegiate players transitioning into the pros, has set the stage perfectly for this expansion.

Caitlin Clark, fresh from her collegiate career at the University of Iowa, was picked first overall in the 2024 WNBA draft by Indiana Fever, underscoring the influx of new talent that’s energizing the league.

What’s Next?

As the WNBA continues to assess these potential new markets, the excitement builds not only among the fans but also within the cities vying to be the next WNBA host. The decision on which city will grab the 14th spot is eagerly anticipated, with each candidate city hopeful to make the cut and become part of this growing legacy of women’s professional basketball.

For more on WNBA Expansion, read HERE

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