The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved the expansion plan on Thursday that also includes teams in Detroit and Cleveland.
PHILADELPHIA — The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved an expansion plan on Thursday that would bring a team to Philadelphia in 2030.
As part of the approved plan, expansion will also be coming to Cleveland in 2028 and Detroit in 2029.
In a press release from the WNBA, each location was chosen based on the team’s market, ownership’s long-term commitment, support from fans, companies, media, the city and the state, facilities and “community commitment to advancing support.”
“The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball.
The WNBA announced that Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment will own and operate the team, the same company that owns the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and the Washington Commanders.
“Philadelphia is one of the most storied basketball cities in the world and our region is home to some of the best women’s players and coaches to ever grace the hardwood,” said Josh Harris, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment managing partner and co-founder. “It’s only right that this city gets the WNBA team it deserves, and we’re humbled to help usher in a new era of Philadelphia basketball.”