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2mo ago

WNBA to Welcome New Franchises in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia

NBA-backed owners paid $250 million per expansion team to launch squads in Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030.

Josh Harris, left, managing partner of the Philadelphia 76ers, Arn Tellem, Detroit Pistons vice chairman, Nic Barlage, representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, listen as WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert speaks during a news conference, Monday, June 30, 2025, in New York, announcing WNBA basketball expansion teams in Philadelphia, Detroit and Cleveland. (AP Photo/Doug Feinberg)
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Overview

  • The WNBA awarded expansion franchises on June 30 to Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, subject to NBA and WNBA governors’ approval, with each NBA-backed group paying a $250 million fee.
  • Cleveland’s team is set to begin play in 2028 and will use the Cavaliers’ existing NBA arena for home games.
  • Detroit’s franchise will launch in 2029 at the Pistons’ arena, marking the revival of the Shock brand that relocated in 2009.
  • Philadelphia will become the league’s 18th market in 2030 with a new WNBA arena planned to open around its inaugural season.
  • The expansion brings back historic markets and capitalizes on rising viewership, attendance and growing star-driven interest in women’s basketball.