WNBA and NBA Approve Expansion to Philadelphia

New teams also coming to Cleveland and Detroit in the coming years.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:53am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, red, and gold colors overlapping to create a dynamic, multi-perspective visual representation of the sport.The WNBA's expansion into new markets like Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit reflects the league's growing popularity and investment in women's professional basketball.Philadelphia Today

The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have approved an expansion plan that will bring a new WNBA team to Philadelphia starting in 2030. The expansion will also include new teams in Cleveland (2028) and Detroit (2029).

Why it matters

This expansion marks a significant milestone for the growth of women's professional basketball, with the WNBA now set to reach new markets and tap into passionate fan bases. The move also reflects the surging popularity and demand for investment in the sport.

The details

As part of the approved plan, the WNBA expansion teams will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the same company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders. The locations were chosen based on factors like market potential, ownership commitment, fan support, facilities, and community engagement.

  • The Philadelphia team will begin play in 2030.
  • The Cleveland team will debut in 2028.
  • The Detroit team will start in 2029.

The players

Cathy Engelbert

WNBA Commissioner, who stated the demand for women's basketball has never been higher and that this expansion is a reflection of the league's momentum and growth.

Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment

The ownership group that will own and operate the new Philadelphia WNBA team, the same company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils, and Washington Commanders.

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What they’re saying

“The demand for women's basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia to the WNBA family. This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league's extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game and the surging demand for investment in women's professional basketball.”

— Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner

What’s next

The WNBA and NBA will work with the new ownership groups in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to prepare for the launch of the expansion teams over the next several years.

The takeaway

This WNBA expansion into new major markets like Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit demonstrates the growing popularity and investment in women's professional basketball. It provides more opportunities for talented players and will help bring the sport to new fan bases across the country.