The WNBA is gearing up to welcome the Golden State Valkyries as a new expansion team in the upcoming season. Alongside this exciting addition, the league has plans to introduce teams in Portland and Toronto by 2026. It seems the momentum for expansion isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
Cleveland is positioning itself to snag the league’s 16th franchise, with hopes to kick off their season in 2028. This new Cleveland team is making headlines with a staggering $250 million bid—marking a record for the league. They are eyeing the name “Cleveland Rockers,” a nod to the city’s original WNBA team that unfortunately folded back in 2003.
Meanwhile, Houston and Philadelphia are rising as strong contenders in the race for their own WNBA franchises. In total, 13 cities have thrown their hat in the ring, eager to join this wave of expansion.
