The WNBA enters its busiest expansion phase in two decades.
Last season shattered attendance and viewership records thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
As the 2025 regular season tips off on May 16, the league still holds a 16th franchise slot in reserve.
On Monday, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) that the final team for the 2028 season remains unannounced because the league is “weighing whether one team is the right number to add.”
The news was revealed on X by esteemed sports journalist Jane McManus.
McManus noted, “The WNBA has one more expansion team coming for 2028. Could there be another few added?”.
The WNBA has one more expansion team coming for 2028. Could there be another few added? Commissioner Cathy Englebert tells APSE that that’s why the final team hasn’t been announced yet, the league is weighing whether one team is the right number to add.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) April 28, 2025
Engelbert reiterated the league’s track record: It grew from 12 to 13 teams in 2025 with the Golden State Valkyries and will add Portland and Toronto teams in 2026 to reach 15.
The decision now is whether to stop at 16 or open the door to even more.
Franchises 17 and 18 are under informal consideration, with cities like Houston, Miami and Denver expressing interest.
Cleveland’s bid, led by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, is viewed as the front-runner for 2028, aiming to resurrect the Rockers brand at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland Rockers were an original WNBA franchise when the league began in 1997. The team folded in 2003.
Meanwhile, Nashville’s “Tennessee Summitt” group boasts star investors from sports and entertainment, such as Bill and Crissy Haslam, Candace Parker, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.
Detroit, Milwaukee and Philadelphia investors, including NBA executives, are also in the mix.
Even current athletes have shown interest, including NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, who is part of an ownership group eyeing an expansion for Kansas City.
Similarly, the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is trying to lure a WNBA team to his hometown of St. Louis.
Related: Paige Bueckers’ Interaction With Former UConn Teammate Sparks Dating Rumors
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend Has Two Words for Family’s Big Announcement
The WNBA enters its busiest expansion phase in two decades.
Last season shattered attendance and viewership records thanks to stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
As the 2025 regular season tips off on May 16, the league still holds a 16th franchise slot in reserve.
On Monday, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told Associated Press Sports Editors (APSE) that the final team for the 2028 season remains unannounced because the league is “weighing whether one team is the right number to add.”
The news was revealed on X by esteemed sports journalist Jane McManus.
McManus noted, “The WNBA has one more expansion team coming for 2028. Could there be another few added?”.
The WNBA has one more expansion team coming for 2028. Could there be another few added? Commissioner Cathy Englebert tells APSE that that’s why the final team hasn’t been announced yet, the league is weighing whether one team is the right number to add.
— Jane McManus (@janesports) April 28, 2025
Engelbert reiterated the league’s track record: It grew from 12 to 13 teams in 2025 with the Golden State Valkyries and will add Portland and Toronto teams in 2026 to reach 15.
The decision now is whether to stop at 16 or open the door to even more.
Franchises 17 and 18 are under informal consideration, with cities like Houston, Miami and Denver expressing interest.
Cleveland’s bid, led by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, is viewed as the front-runner for 2028, aiming to resurrect the Rockers brand at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland Rockers were an original WNBA franchise when the league began in 1997. The team folded in 2003.
Meanwhile, Nashville’s “Tennessee Summitt” group boasts star investors from sports and entertainment, such as Bill and Crissy Haslam, Candace Parker, Faith Hill and Tim McGraw.
Detroit, Milwaukee and Philadelphia investors, including NBA executives, are also in the mix.
Even current athletes have shown interest, including NFL superstar Patrick Mahomes, who is part of an ownership group eyeing an expansion for Kansas City.
Similarly, the Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum is trying to lure a WNBA team to his hometown of St. Louis.
Related: Paige Bueckers’ Interaction With Former UConn Teammate Sparks Dating Rumors
Related: Caitlin Clark’s Boyfriend Has Two Words for Family’s Big Announcement
