WNBA Approves New Philadelphia Franchise

The women's professional basketball league will grow to 18 teams by the end of the decade.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 6:58am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with players and the court broken down into overlapping planes of bold colors, capturing the high-energy and fast-paced nature of the sport.The WNBA's expansion into Philadelphia will bring the league's dynamic brand of women's basketball to a passionate new fanbase.Philadelphia Today

The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have approved expansion franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, paving the way for the women's professional basketball league to grow to 18 teams by the end of the decade.

Why it matters

This expansion marks a significant milestone for the WNBA, which has seen steady growth in popularity and viewership over the past decade. The addition of a Philadelphia franchise will bring the league to a major East Coast market and provide more opportunities for women's basketball talent.

The details

The new Philadelphia franchise will be the league's 18th team, joining existing franchises in cities like New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles. The expansion is part of the WNBA's strategic plan to continue expanding its footprint across the United States.

  • The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved the expansion on April 11, 2026.
  • The new Philadelphia franchise is expected to begin play by the 2030 WNBA season.

The players

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association is the premier professional women's basketball league in the world, featuring 12 teams across the United States.

NBA Board of Governors

The governing body of the National Basketball Association, responsible for approving major league decisions and expansions.

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What they’re saying

“This expansion is an exciting step forward for the WNBA and women's basketball as a whole. We're thrilled to bring a franchise to the passionate sports fans of Philadelphia.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

What’s next

The new Philadelphia franchise will begin the process of hiring a coaching staff and scouting players ahead of its inaugural 2030 season.

The takeaway

The WNBA's expansion into Philadelphia will bring the league's brand of fast-paced, high-energy basketball to a passionate new fanbase, further growing the popularity and reach of women's professional basketball.