Summary
The WNBA is expanding by adding three new teams, bringing the total number of teams to 18. Cleveland will start in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. The decision to expand is based on potential market success and support from local communities.
Key Facts
- The WNBA will have 18 teams after adding Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia.
- Cleveland's team will start playing in 2028, Detroit's in 2029, and Philadelphia's in 2030.
- The league currently has 15 teams, with recent additions in Toronto and Portland.
- The new teams were chosen based on factors like market success and strong local support.
- The expansion is part of the WNBA’s overall growth, following a record season for viewership and merchandise sales.
- The WNBA last had 16 teams in 2002, with Detroit's old team, the Shock, winning three titles before relocating.
- The WNBA is currently facing labor issues, with the players' union seeking higher salaries in 2024.
- The addition of the new teams requires approval from the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors.
