WNBA Expands to Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit

League approves new teams in three major Midwest and East Coast cities.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:12am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the dynamic action and energy of the sport.The WNBA's expansion into three new major cities will bring the thrill of women's professional basketball to new audiences and communities.Philadelphia Today

The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have officially approved the addition of new expansion teams in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit. The move marks the first major WNBA expansion since 2008 and will bring the total number of teams in the league to 18.

Why it matters

The WNBA expansion into these three major metropolitan areas will grow the league's footprint and fanbase, providing more opportunities for women's basketball talent and increasing visibility for the sport. The new teams are expected to generate economic activity and community engagement in their respective cities.

The details

The WNBA and NBA announced that Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit have been selected as the next expansion cities for the women's professional basketball league. The new teams will begin play in the 2027 season, marking the first major WNBA expansion since 2008 when the Atlanta Dream and Washington Mystics joined the league.

  • The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved the expansion on April 10, 2026.
  • The new teams in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit will begin play in the 2027 WNBA season.

The players

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association is the premier women's professional basketball league in the world and a subsidiary of the National Basketball Association.

NBA Board of Governors

The governing body of the National Basketball Association that oversees major league decisions and operations.

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What’s next

The WNBA will now work with the three new expansion cities to establish team names, logos, and rosters ahead of the 2027 season tip-off.

The takeaway

The WNBA's expansion into Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit represents a significant growth opportunity for the league, bringing women's professional basketball to new major markets and expanding access for fans and players across the Midwest and East Coast.