WNBA Expands to 18 Teams by 2030

The WNBA has officially announced it will expand to 18 teams by 2030, with new franchises coming to Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Each new team will be owned by NBA ownership groups and pay a $250 million expansion fee. Philadelphia's entry will coincide with the development of a new arena, while Cleveland and Detroit are returning to the league after previously hosting WNBA teams. This expansion follows the recent launch of the Golden State Valkyries and the upcoming addition of teams in Portland and Toronto. The league cites surging demand, increasing valuations, and sold-out arenas as key drivers for expansion. League officials and team owners highlight this growth as a major milestone for the future of women's basketball and their communities.