NEW YORK, June 30, 2025 \u2013 The Women\u2019s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a major expansion to 18 teams, with new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This expansion \u2013 subject to WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors approval \u2013 marks a significant milestone in the WNBA\u2019s commitment to growing the game, increasing opportunities for players, and bringing professional women\u2019s basketball to new and passionate fanbases in more cities.<\/p>\n
The three new teams join the league\u2019s 15 existing teams, including the Golden State Valkyries, who tipped off play in May 2025, as well as the previously announced expansion markets in Toronto, Canada (2026) and Portland, Oregon (2026). The Cleveland team will begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. Each location was selected based on an analysis of market viability, committed long-term ownership groups, potential for significant local fan, corporate, media, and city and state support, arena and practice facilities, and community commitment to advancing the sport, among other factors.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe demand for women\u2019s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,\u201d said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. \u201cThis historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league\u2019s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game, and the surging demand for investment in women\u2019s professional basketball. I am deeply grateful for our new owners and ownership groups \u2013 Dan Gilbert in Cleveland, Tom Gores in Detroit, and Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, and Brian Roberts in Philadelphia \u2013 for their belief in the WNBA\u2019s future and their commitment to building thriving teams that will energize and inspire their communities. We are excited for what these cities will bring to the league \u2013 and are confident that these new teams will reshape the landscape of women\u2019s basketball.\u201d<\/p>\n
About Cleveland<\/p>\n
The new WNBA team in Cleveland will be owned and operated by Rock Entertainment Group (REG), the umbrella entity that houses REG Chairman Dan Gilbert\u2019s sports and entertainment properties under the Rock Family of Companies. Dan Gilbert acquired the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2005, and under his leadership, the team has won the Central Division seven times, five Eastern Conference titles, and, most notably, the 2016 NBA Championship. Gilbert\u2019s diverse sports portfolio also includes the Cleveland Charge (Cavaliers\u2019 G League affiliate) and the Cleveland Monsters (AHL affiliate of the NHL\u2019s Columbus Blue Jackets). The WNBA previously had a team in Cleveland, the Rockers, from 1997 to 2003.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe WNBA\u2019s return to Cleveland marks a pivotal moment for women\u2019s sports. Years from now, we will reflect on this day as a truly monumental point in Cleveland sports history,\u201d said Rock Entertainment Group Chairman Dan Gilbert. \u201cThe passion, support and continued commitment of our fans and community for our professional sports teams played an essential role in making this possible. We\u2019re confident that this team will honor our city\u2019s women\u2019s sports heritage, reinvigorate our WNBA fan base and help cultivate the next generation of women\u2019s basketball enthusiasts and athletes. We\u2019re grateful to the WNBA and Commissioner Engelbert for this opportunity and their unwavering belief in Cleveland.\u201d<\/p>\n
Check out more about the team coming to Cleveland at wnbacleveland.com\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n About Detroit <\/p>\n The Detroit WNBA ownership group is led by Tom Gores, his wife Holly, and some of the most accomplished women and men in global sports, business, entertainment, media, and finance.\u00a0 Gores is owner of the Detroit Pistons and Chairman and CEO of global investment firm Platinum Equity. The WNBA is also making its return to Detroit, where the Shock played from 1998-2009, winning three championships (2003, 2006, 2008), ranking in the top five in attendance for five consecutive seasons, and setting a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,\u201d said Detroit Pistons Owner and Platinum Equity Chairman Tom Gores, who led the WNBA bid and will be the controlling owner of the new franchise. \u201cToday marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition.\u00a0Detroit played a key role in the league\u2019s early growth, and we\u2019re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights. Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe have brought together an impressive array of investors who reflect the strength and diversity of Detroit,\u201d added Gores. \u201cI\u2019m excited about what we can accomplish together to advance women\u2019s professional sports and inspire a new generation of fans. I\u2019m grateful to our exceptional investor group, Commissioner Engelbert, and the WNBA for their trust in our vision and commitment to the people of Detroit.\u201d<\/p>\n