CARDBIZ: New York (April 11, 2026) The WNBA announcement they will be\u00a0expanding to 18 teams, adding new franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030)\u00a0will have a big implication in the basketball sports card and collectibles market.\u00a0<\/p>\n
What does it mean to the hobby?\u00a0<\/p>\n
More teams mean a wider draft pool, fresh franchise centerpieces to chase, and a massive influx of new collectors, not only growing the sport but also continuing momentum and ultimately driving up demand for WNBA wax and singles.<\/p>\n
Here is a breakdown of the expansion and the impact it will have on the collectibles landscape.<\/p>\n
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\n \ud83c\udf41Canadian Connection: Toronto Tempo<\/p>\n
Before we look at the new additions, it\u2019s worth noting that the press release highlighted the previously announced Toronto Tempo tipping off in 2026 (alongside the Portland Fire). For Canadian collectors, the runway leading up to the Tempo’s debut is going to be electric. As the WNBA continues its meteoric rise (named the fastest-growing brand of 2024 by Morning Consult), local interest in WNBA cards north of the border is primed to explode over the next 18 months as the Tempo take the court.<\/p>\n
Breaking Down the New Markets
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The addition of Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia brings professional women’s basketball to three cities with legendary sports history and large collector bases.
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\ud83c\udfc0 Cleveland (2028)<\/p>\n
Owned by Dan Gilbert (Cleveland Cavaliers), this team marks the return of the WNBA to Ohio. Older collectors might remember the Cleveland Rockers (1997\u20132003).<\/p>\n
Hobby Impact: Expect an immediate local bump in WNBA interest. Gilbert knows how to build a sports brand, and whoever Cleveland drafts as their first franchise star will instantly become a highly chased rookie in that year’s Panini Prizm WNBA release.
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\u2699\ufe0f Detroit (2029)<\/p>\n
Led by Pistons owner Tom Gores, the WNBA is returning to the Motor City. Detroit has a rich WNBA legacy with the Shock, who won three championships between 1998 and 2009.<\/p>\n
Hobby Impact: Vintage collectors take note as there could be a nostalgic bump in the market for classic Detroit Shock autographs and memorabilia (think Swin Cash, Deanna Nolan, and Cheryl Ford) as the city gears up for its new team.
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\ud83d\udd14 Philadelphia (2030)<\/p>\n
Owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (Josh Harris, David Blitzer), Philly is finally getting the WNBA team it deserves.<\/p>\n
Hobby Impact: Philadelphia is one of the most rabid sports card markets in the world. Bringing a WNBA franchise to the City of Brotherly Love guarantees a massive new wave of highly engaged, local collectors entering the WNBA card market.
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\ud83d\udcc8 The Cardbiz Takeaway: A Bullish Outlook for WNBA Wax
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