Dawn Staley Rejects Coaching Philadelphia WNBA Team, Seeks Ownership Role

Dawn Staley, a celebrated women's basketball coach with three NCAA titles and four Olympic gold medals, expressed a preference to become an owner rather than coach a potential WNBA expansion team in Philadelphia during an interview on Kylie Kelce's podcast "Not Gonna Lie." Staley emphasized that ownership would allow her to have a broader impact and touch more people, aligning with a growing trend of athletes pursuing ownership roles for financial and community influence. Kelce, a Philadelphia native and sports media personality, enthusiastically supported the idea of Staley owning a team and even offered to invest. The WNBA has seen rapid growth with new expansion franchises recently added and others anticipated, though Philadelphia has yet to secure a team, with Cleveland considered a top candidate. Both Staley and Kelce highlighted Philadelphia's passionate sports culture and suggested that the timing for a WNBA team could improve if the city's NBA franchise, the Sixers, gains more success. Staley also shared insights about her career and her recently published book "Uncommon Favor," celebrating her achievements and her connection to Philadelphia.