WNBA Adds Teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, Capping a Two-Year Expansion Process

The WNBA announced Monday that Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia have been awarded expansion teams, according to CNBC. The additions will grow the league from 13 to 18 teams over the next five years. The new teams will debut in 2028, 2029, and 2030, respectively, each paying a franchise fee of $250 million, a record high for the league. The WNBA spent over two years evaluating expansion, with more than a dozen cities submitting bids, including Houston, Miami, and Denver. The league chose new locations based on market viability, infrastructure, and local support. It will continue to monitor Houston for future expansion.