The new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list is already buzzing—Cleveland, Detroit & Philly could be next. Here’s what we know (and what we don’t) about expansion, arenas, and rivalries.
The new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list is like, everywhere right now. Toronto and Golden State are already locked in, and now whispers keep floating about Cleveland, Detroit, maybe even Philly. Some of it’s just rumor talk, but honestly, it feels like the league’s finally ready to go bigger.
Why the timing makes sense
The WNBA’s on fire rn. Attendance records, TV ratings going wayyy up, merch selling out (thanks Caitlin Clark effect). Keeping it at just 12 teams feels… small? Expansion just feels like the logical next step. And that’s why the new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list keeps getting louder every week.
Cleveland: hoop city waiting for its shot
If Cleveland ends up on the new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list, the most obvious home is Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. The Cavs play there, and summer calendars aren’t that packed. Fans already breathe basketball in that city (LeBron era showed us that).
Picture this → Cleveland vs Chicago Sky, or even better, Cleveland-Detroit showdowns if both get in. Midwest rivalries sell themselves.
Detroit: bring back the Shock vibes?
Detroit might be the most nostalgic pick on the new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list. Folks still remember the Shock—titles, tough defense, Swin Cash, Bill Laimbeer. Then poof, gone to Tulsa.
Little Caesars Arena feels like the obvious new home if Detroit gets back in. Fans in that city ride for their teams through thick and thin. A new WNBA squad could tap straight into that energy. Lowkey, it would feel like finishing a story that was cut too short.
Philly: the wild card that makes sense
Philly is the name that keeps sneaking into convos. On the new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list, it’s maybe the loudest market that doesn’t already have a team. Wells Fargo Center would be wide open for summer hoops, and Philly fans are… well, let’s just say not shy about passion.
Imagine Liberty vs Philly. An I-95 rivalry in the WNBA? That’s box office. Philly fans would show up loud, and probably roast opponents on Twitter by halftime.
Rivalries fans would eat up
Expansion isn’t just about adding logos, it’s about drama. And the new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list could light up some must-watch matchups:
- Cleveland vs Detroit → Rust Belt grind
- Philly vs Liberty → East Coast fire
- Detroit vs Chicago → Midwest heat
Stuff like that turns “random regular season” games into can’t-miss nights.
Arenas already lined up
The best part? The cities on the new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list already have NBA-level arenas ready to go. No building needed.
- Cleveland → Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse
- Detroit → Little Caesars Arena
- Philly → Wells Fargo Center
Add in nearby colleges + youth hoops pipelines and you’ve got built-in fanbases before the first tip-off.
The money side of things
This isn’t just about sports—it’s business too. The new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list means expansion fees, new media rights money, bigger sponsorships.
If each new team bumps valuations by $50–100M (not even far-fetched), the league could double in value in like, two seasons. That’s insane growth for women’s sports, but it actually feels doable with the way momentum’s rolling.
Quick reads if you’re curious
Check the WNBA for the official league word when it drops.
Also Read: Latest Trending News for more hot takes across U.S. sports.
FAQs
Q1: What cities are being mentioned the most?
Cleveland, Detroit, Philly are the main ones right now.
Q2: Which ones are actually confirmed?
Toronto + Golden State are official. The rest? Still rumors (but strong ones).
Q3: Why is Detroit so talked about?
Because the old Detroit Shock won titles and left a hole. Fans still want them back.
Q4: What arenas would they use?
Cleveland (Rocket Mortgage), Detroit (Little Caesars), Philly (Wells Fargo).
Q5: How does expansion change the WNBA?
More rivalries, more cities, more games on TV. Basically, more everything.
Final take
The new WNBA teams 2025 2026 list feels less like “what if” and more like “when.” Whether it’s Cleveland’s diehard basketball crowd, Detroit’s unfinished story, or Philly’s crazy passionate fans—these cities fit the moment.
Expansion’s not just growth—it’s the chance to turn the WNBA into a coast-to-coast summer league juggernaut. And honestly? Fans are already waiting.
