The world of women’s basketball in the United States is heating up as the WNBA enters a new era of expansion. With free agency in full swing and star players reshuffling teams, the league’s focus turned to a more significant front: the bid process for the league’s 16th franchise.
On January 30, formal bids for this expansion were due, leading to a surge of interest from various cities across the nation. Over 10 ownership groups submitted proposals, illustrating the high demand for a WNBA team.
Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed confidence that the league could reach 16 teams by 2028, following the recent expansions of the Golden State Valkyries, and the upcoming launches of Portland and Toronto Tempo teams in 2026.
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Cities with Formal Bids for the WNBA 16th Franchise
While several groups may have submitted bids, here are nine confirmed by The Athletic:
Austin
A coalition, led by Marc Lasry through Avenue Capital, bid to bring a team to Austin. Notably, NBA star Kevin Durant and Fran Harris, a former University of Texas player, are part of the group. The proposal includes a plan to build a practice facility and use the Moody Center for games.
NBA players can own up to 4% of a WNBA team, but not if co-owned by current NBA owners. Lasry sold his Bucks stake two years ago.
Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets ownership group is bidding to bring an expansion team to the city, led by Erica Berman. The Hornets see this as a step in growing women’s basketball and honoring the Charlotte Sting’s legacy.
Cleveland
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ majority owner, Dan Gilbert, bid for an expansion team. Cleveland had its own WNBA team from 1997 to 2003, and the proposed team would play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Denver
A team led by the Dimond family bid to bring WNBA to Denver, including Ibotta CEO Bryan Leach. The investors plan to build a new arena for the team.
Detroit
The Detroit Pistons have submitted a bid with a group that includes NBA legends Grant Hill and Chris Webber. Detroit had a WNBA team from 1998 to 2009 and aims to bring it back to Little Caesars Arena.
Houston
Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta submitted a bid for a new team in Houston, targeting the Toyota Center as the home stadium.
Kansas City
A bid from Kansas City Current owners Angie Long, Chris Long, Brittany Mahomes, and Patrick Mahomes sought to bring a team to Kansas City. The proposal includes a 60,000-square-foot practice facility.
Patrick Mahomes talks about why he’s trying to bring a WNBA team to KC
‘I love sports, I know how much the city loves sports so let’s bring as many sports in here and showcase how great Kansas City is.’ pic.twitter.com/fHP3hBSs2n
— Sports Radio 810 WHB (@SportsRadio810) October 31, 2024
Nashville
Nashville Predators owners Bill and Crissy Haslam submitted a bid named the Tennessee Summitt, including Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw as investors.
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia 76ers’ ownership group, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, is bidding for a new franchise. Philadelphia plans a new stadium and will involve Comcast in the bidding process.
The WNBA’s Evaluation Criteria
The WNBA focuses on several key factors when evaluating bids. These include the quality of the arena and practice facility, player amenities, the ownership commitment, and the urban market’s demographics.
Commissioner Engelbert stated at her annual news conference that there are approximately 10 to 12 cities they consider viable. She aims for the new franchise to debut by 2027, but no later than 2028.
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Prior WNBA Expansion Trends
Previous expansions often featured ownership connections to NBA teams. Recent franchises in Golden State, Toronto, and Portland involve NBA ties. Facilities, both arenas and practice gyms, are paramount in deciding the best candidates.
Timeline for the WNBA 16th Franchise
Historically, the WNBA has allowed approximately 20 months of preparation for new teams. Golden State’s team, the Valvekries, began play in 2024. Meanwhile, Portland and Toronto Tempo will debut in 2026.
For the 16th franchise, if it is set to start play in 2027, an announcement is expected this fall, providing ample time for preparation. Alternatively, an announcement in 2026 is plausible for a team to start in 2028.
Updates on Current Expansion Cities
The Golden State Valkyries began play in May, and preparations for Portland and Toronto Tempo are ongoing. Portland has not yet announced many details, focusing instead on developing a shared practice facility with the NWSL’s Thorns.
Toronto has unveiled its name, merchandise, and leadership, progressing further along. Some cities that showed interest but did not submit formal bids include Jacksonville and Milwaukee.
(Photo: Alika Jenner / Getty Images)
With these exciting developments, the WNBA continues to grow, bringing top-level women’s basketball closer to fans across the United States. Stay tuned for more updates on which city will join the league next.
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