WNBA expansion in 2026 could change the league forever. Find out which cities are leading the race and what fans are saying about it.
Rumors about WNBA expansion in 2026 are heating up, and it looks like this time—it’s more than just talk. With rising viewership, booming fan engagement, and a wave of talent pouring into the league, the WNBA appears poised to grow. Cities are lining up. Fans are buzzing. And league executives are dropping more hints than ever.
Let’s break down what’s happening behind the scenes, which cities are in the running, and what this could mean for the future of women’s basketball in 2025 and beyond.
Why WNBA Expansion Is Finally a Real Possibility
For years, fans and analysts have been asking: When will the WNBA expand?
Now, thanks to these major developments, 2026 seems to be the target:
- Record-breaking TV ratings in 2025
- Star power from rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
- Packed arenas in non-WNBA cities during preseason games
- Public comments from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert about expansion “soon”
“We’re looking seriously at multiple cities. The talent pool and demand are both there,” Engelbert said in a recent interview with The Athletic.
Cities Rumored to Be Frontrunners for WNBA Expansion 2026
Here are the top cities being linked to the 2026 expansion conversation:
1. Oakland, CA
- Strong local ownership group
- Home to the Oakland Soul (women’s soccer) and big sports culture
- Diverse, basketball-loving fan base
- Steph Curry has publicly supported the idea
2. Philadelphia, PA
- Huge sports market with no WNBA team
- Tons of college basketball fans
- Interest from investors with ties to the Sixers
3. Toronto, Canada
- Sold-out preseason game in 2023 showed demand
- Could make the WNBA an international league
- Drake’s involvement with Raptors could carry over
4. Nashville, TN
- One of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S.
- WNBA preseason games saw high attendance in 2024
- Close proximity to women’s college hoops powerhouses
TV Ratings Are Fueling the Expansion Push
You can’t talk about WNBA expansion in 2026 without mentioning the numbers.
- The Indiana Fever vs Chicago Sky game on June 21, 2025, drew 3.6 million viewers, breaking all previous records.
- Games featuring Caitlin Clark alone have boosted ESPN ratings by 172% year-over-year.
This level of engagement makes it hard for the league not to expand.
Source: Sports Business Journal
Why the League Needs More Teams—Now
The WNBA currently has 12 teams. But with so much talent coming in, there simply isn’t enough room.
Just Look at These Facts:
- Top college stars from 2024 and 2025 are struggling to make rosters.
- Veterans are being cut to make room for rookies.
- Fans are calling for more opportunities and roster spots.
This is a talent overflow. Expansion = the only solution.
What Players Are Saying About Expansion
Several stars have voiced their support for new teams:
- Caitlin Clark: “There’s definitely enough talent for more teams. The fans are ready.”
- Kelsey Plum: “Twelve teams just aren’t enough anymore.”
- Angel Reese: “Every city we go to, it’s sold out. Imagine giving those cities their own team.”
And on Twitter, it’s a daily topic:
🗣️ “WNBA should have 16 teams by now.”
🔥 “Give Philly a team already!”
📈 “Expansion = growth = more jobs = better league.”
Impact on Viewership and Sponsorships
With the right cities, expansion could unlock:
- New TV deals
- Local sponsorships
- Regional fan bases
- Merch sales in untapped markets
According to Boardroom, brands are eager to enter the women’s basketball space—and expansion teams provide fresh, authentic ways to do that.
What Would Expansion Mean for Fans?
It’s not just about adding teams. Expansion could mean:
- More games on national TV
- Shorter travel for road games
- Local fan engagement with new hometown teams
- Rivalries forming between new and existing franchises
Imagine a Philly vs. New York showdown, or an Oakland vs. L.A. rivalry—it’s the kind of storytelling the league needs.
What Could Delay WNBA Expansion in 2026?
It’s not a lock—yet. Here are some potential hurdles:
- Securing financially strong ownership groups
- Venue availability and long-term leasing
- Negotiating with broadcasters
- Finalizing the new media rights deal (expected late 2025)
But with the way women’s basketball 2025 is trending, momentum is on the league’s side.
Projected Expansion Timeline
Here’s what insiders believe the timeline might look like:
| Milestone | Projected Date |
|---|---|
| Cities Announced | Late 2025 |
| Ownership Finalized | Early 2026 |
| Team Building Begins | Spring–Summer 2026 |
| Expansion Draft | Fall 2026 |
| First Season Tips Off | May 2027 |
If this timeline holds, we could be just months away from some major news.
Conclusion: WNBA Expansion in 2026 Looks More Real Than Ever
The buzz around WNBA expansion in 2026 is no longer a whisper—it’s a roar. With elite talent overflowing, TV ratings climbing, and city after city showing interest, the stars are aligning. Fans want it. Players want it. Brands want it. The only question now is: Where will the new teams land?
Are you ready for the next era of the WNBA?
💬 Sound off in the comments: Which city deserves a WNBA team the most? Share this with your crew and subscribe for weekly WNBA updates!
FAQs
1. Is WNBA expansion confirmed for 2026?
Not officially, but multiple signs point to it happening soon.
2. Which cities are most likely to get a WNBA team?
Oakland, Philadelphia, Toronto, and Nashville are leading contenders.
3. Why is the WNBA expanding now?
Rising viewership, packed arenas, and a deep talent pool are creating the perfect conditions.
4. How many teams will the WNBA add?
Most reports suggest 2 teams initially, with the possibility of more by 2028.
5. Will expansion affect the draft or schedule?
Yes, the league will likely hold an expansion draft and adjust the regular-season schedule accordingly.
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