The WNBA is expanding to include three new teams in the coming years: the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, and the Toronto Tempo and a team in Portland, Oregon in 2026. The league has also announced plans to add a 16th team to begin play in 2028.
Which Cities Are Most Likely to Land a New WNBA Franchise in the Future?
The WNBA has been steadily growing in popularity, television viewership, sponsorship deals, and social influence since its founding in 1996. In recent years, there’s been a noticeable surge in fan interest, investment, and media coverage around women’s basketball, bolstered by record-breaking NCAA tournaments, viral highlights, and breakout stars like Caitlin Clark. With this growth, conversations about WNBA expansion have become louder and more serious.
In fact, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has confirmed that expansion is a priority for the league’s long-term strategy, with the goal of adding new franchises in the near future. The question now is: which cities are most likely to land those new teams?
Let’s take a comprehensive look at the top contenders for WNBA expansion and what makes each market a viable — or challenging — candidate.
Why the WNBA Is Poised to Expand
Before diving into individual cities, it’s important to understand why WNBA expansion makes sense now more than ever:
- Record Viewership: The 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four and national championship shattered previous TV ratings records, proving the appetite for women’s basketball is stronger than ever.
- Cultural Momentum: The WNBA has positioned itself as one of the most socially conscious, progressive leagues in sports, making it attractive to sponsors and fans.
- Financial Growth: Major endorsement deals, rising attendance, and increased media rights agreements have made WNBA franchises more economically viable.
- Under-Served Markets: Several U.S. cities with strong basketball cultures and demographics favorable to women’s sports are still without a team.
With those factors in mind, here’s a breakdown of the cities most frequently mentioned as potential WNBA expansion homes.
The Most Likely WNBA Expansion Cities
1. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia consistently ranks near the top of WNBA expansion conversations — and for good reason. It’s one of the largest U.S. markets without a team, with a rich basketball tradition and passionate fan base.
Why it makes sense:
- Market Size: Philadelphia is the fourth-largest media market in the United States.
- Basketball Culture: Home to the Philadelphia 76ers, the Big 5 college programs, and enthusiastic high school hoops, Philly is one of the country’s top basketball cities.
- Arena Availability: Wells Fargo Center or nearby college arenas could host games.
Challenges: Philadelphia’s already crowded sports landscape could make it difficult to carve out market share, but the appetite for women’s basketball is growing quickly enough to overcome that.
2. Nashville, Tennessee
Nashville is a rising star in the sports world. With successful pro franchises in the NFL, NHL, and MLS, and a rich college sports scene, Nashville could be a strong fit for WNBA expansion.
Why it makes sense:
- Basketball History: Tennessee is a college basketball powerhouse, with deep roots in women’s basketball thanks to legendary coach Pat Summitt and the University of Tennessee Lady Vols.
- Growing Market: Nashville’s population and national profile are on the rise.
- Arena Availability: Bridgestone Arena and college facilities offer viable venues.
Challenges: The city is still testing its capacity for new sports properties, but women’s basketball’s popularity in Tennessee gives it a unique edge.
Other Cities in the Conversation
While the five cities above top most lists, several other markets have emerged as possibilities:
- Denver, Colorado: A growing sports city with NBA and NFL franchises and a progressive fan base.
- Charlotte, North Carolina: A basketball-loving city and former WNBA host (Charlotte Sting).
- Austin, Texas: Rapidly growing market, though proximity to existing Dallas Wings may complicate territorial rights.
- Houston, Texas: Once home to the four-time WNBA champion Comets; a return would revive a passionate fan base.
- Cleveland, Ohio: Bid by Dan Gilbert of the Cavaliers. Bid includes a practice facility.
- Detroit Michigan: Bid by Tom Gores, Chris Webber, and Grant Hill. Bid includes a practice facility.
- Kansas City: Bid by Brittany and Patrick Mahomes. Bid includes a seperated practice facility.
Where Will the WNBA Go Next?
As women’s basketball continues to surge in visibility and popularity, the WNBA is smartly positioning itself to capitalize on this momentum. While nothing is officially confirmed yet, it’s clear that new cities will soon join the WNBA family — and fans across North America are ready to welcome them.