In recent years—especially with the rise of social media—the WNBA has caught a lot of criticism. Whether it's games not always being sold out or people doubting the skill level, the league hasn’t always gotten the respect it deserves. But thanks to rising stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Sabrina Ionescu, and many others, the W is finally getting the attention it's earned. And that’s a big deal—not just for the players, but for the league as a whole. More attention means more fans, more sponsors, and ultimately, more money.
With rising ratings and growing interest, the WNBA is planning to expand, going from 13 teams now to 15 in 2026, and eventually 18 teams by 2030. That kind of growth is not only exciting, it’s necessary. It's a win for the league, the players, and the sport of basketball overall.
Right now, the WNBA has six teams in the Eastern Conference:
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Atlanta Dream
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Chicago Sky
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Connecticut Sun
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Indiana Fever
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New York Liberty
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Washington Mystics
And seven in the Western Conference:
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Dallas Wings
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Golden State Valkyries
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Las Vegas Aces
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Los Angeles Sparks
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Minnesota Lynx
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Phoenix Mercury
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Seattle Storm
Before the 2026 season tips off, the league will officially add two new teams: one in Portland and another in Toronto—both cities with strong basketball roots and passionate fan bases.
Looking ahead, it’s expected that Cleveland will join in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and then Philadelphia in 2030. I think all of these are fantastic basketball cities. They’ve got history, culture, and fans who show up. That’s only going to help the WNBA continue to grow, because people love rooting for their hometown teams.
There are also some interesting details behind the expansion. Each new team’s ownership group is paying a $250 million expansion fee, which gives them the rights to join the league and build a franchise from the ground up. That number makes sense when you consider that, as of 2025, the average WNBA team is valued at around $269 million. On top of that, each new team is backed by an NBA ownership group, which adds even more support and credibility.
Basketball is one of the most popular sports in the world. And while viewership can go up and down, this kind of expansion is a clear step in the right direction. The league is growing, the talent is undeniable, and more people are paying attention than ever before. This is only the beginning—and that’s exciting.
Landon Neilson,
2025.
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