Will Smith Joins Ownership Group of Planned WNBA Team in Philadelphia

The Oscar-winning actor secures a 0.1% stake in the new franchise set to debut in 2030.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:52pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shimmering, glittering basketball net texture, captured in dramatic, high-contrast studio lighting to convey a sense of glamour and energy around the WNBA's expansion.The WNBA's expansion into new markets like Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit signals a surge of investment and momentum behind women's professional basketball.Philadelphia Today

Will Smith is reportedly expanding his portfolio by joining the ownership group of a planned WNBA expansion team in his hometown of Philadelphia. The team will operate under Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment and is set to host games at Xfinity Mobile Arena starting in 2030.

Why it matters

Smith's involvement signals broader momentum behind women's sports, as increased investment, media attention, commercial value, and cultural support continue to elevate the game. The WNBA is also planning to expand to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia all getting new franchises.

The details

Smith has secured a 0.1% stake in the Philadelphia WNBA franchise, which will be the city's first new major professional sports team since 2008. The ownership group is led by Josh Harris, managing partner and co-founder at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, and includes additional investors like David Blitzer, Comcast, and other institutional partners.

  • The Philadelphia WNBA team is set to begin play in 2030.
  • The WNBA plans to expand to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland and Detroit also getting new franchises.

The players

Will Smith

An Oscar Award-winning actor who has secured a 0.1% stake in the new Philadelphia WNBA franchise.

Josh Harris

The managing partner and co-founder at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which will operate the new Philadelphia WNBA team.

David Blitzer

An investor in the new Philadelphia WNBA franchise, along with Comcast and other institutional partners.

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What they’re saying

“Philadelphia is one of the most storied basketball cities in the world, and our region is home to some of the greatest women's players and coaches to ever grace the hardwood. It's only right that this city finally gets the WNBA franchise it deserves, and we're humbled to help usher in a new era of Philadelphia basketball.”

— Josh Harris, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

What’s next

The new Philadelphia WNBA team is still pending final approval from the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors.

The takeaway

Will Smith's investment in the new Philadelphia WNBA franchise is a significant endorsement of the growing popularity and commercial value of women's sports. This expansion signals a new era of increased support and visibility for the WNBA.