WNBA expansion 2025 is coming—see which cities are leading the race and why the league’s growth is long overdue.
You’ve heard the buzz — WNBA expansion 2025 isn’t just a rumor anymore, it’s a movement. As the league rides record-breaking viewership, fan engagement, and social media growth (hello, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese!), the question is no longer if expansion will happen — but where and when. From sold-out games to TV deals, women’s basketball in 2025 is booming. So where will the WNBA go next?
Let’s dive into the leading cities in the expansion conversation, what the league has said, and why now is the perfect time to grow.
Why WNBA Expansion Is Inevitable in 2025
The current 12-team format simply can’t contain the momentum the league is experiencing:
- Viewership is up 150% year-over-year
- New stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cam Brink are bringing in new fans
- Social media following across WNBA accounts has more than doubled since 2023
According to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, “Expansion is at the top of our priority list — the talent is there, and so is the demand.”
Top Cities in the WNBA Expansion 2025 Conversation
Let’s look at the top contenders based on market size, basketball culture, and recent league chatter.
1. Oakland, California
- Backed by the African American Sports and Entertainment Group
- Home to a massive Bay Area basketball fanbase
- Would bring WNBA back to the Golden State (outside of Las Vegas)
Oakland was confirmed by Engelbert in 2023 as one of the frontrunners. Their expansion pitch includes using the Oakland Arena — once home to the Golden State Warriors.
2. Toronto, Canada
- Massive sellout WNBA preseason game in 2023
- Huge women’s sports market potential
- Global expansion strategy aligns with WNBA’s future vision
Toronto could become the WNBA’s first international team, and fan demand has been clear every time a preseason event is hosted there.
3. Portland, Oregon
- Former WNBA team in early 2000s (Portland Fire)
- Rich basketball culture with strong NCAA and NBA followings
- Arena and ownership group ready to go
Portland’s strong grassroots basketball scene and proximity to Seattle (home of the Storm) make it a perfect regional rival.
4. Nashville, Tennessee
- Surprising dark horse, but recent investment talk is heating up
- Huge college basketball scene with nearby powerhouse programs (Tennessee, Vanderbilt)
- Lower travel costs for East Coast teams
What Fans Are Saying on Social Media
On X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and TikTok, fans are begging for more teams:
- “We NEED a WNBA team in the Bay. Too much talent, not enough spots.” – @hoopqueens23
- “Toronto fans show out for women’s sports. We deserve a team!” – @courtvisionTO
- “There are more elite players than spots — expansion now!” – @BallinIn2025
Even players are chiming in. A’ja Wilson recently said, “The league has too much talent to only have 12 teams. It’s time.”
Talent Overflow: Too Many Stars, Too Few Rosters
The 2024 and 2025 rookie classes are stacked. And the unfortunate reality?
- Only 144 total roster spots
- Dozens of draft picks get waived yearly due to roster constraints
- Fans are upset — and rightly so
Top college stars like Hailey Van Lith, Rickea Jackson, and Kamilla Cardoso are fighting just to make teams. The WNBA expansion in 2025 could fix that.
TV Ratings and Growth: The Business Case for Expansion
Let’s break down the numbers:
| Year | Avg. WNBA Viewership | Total Attendance | Social Media Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 505,000 | 1.6 million | +40% YoY |
| 2024 | 850,000 (est.) | 2.5 million | +75% YoY |
| 2025 | >1M (projected) | 3.2 million+ | +100% YoY (expected) |
With this kind of growth, expansion isn’t a risk — it’s a business opportunity.
Expansion Timeline: When Could New Teams Tip Off?
Here’s what’s currently expected based on commissioner comments and insider reporting:
- Late 2024: Official expansion announcements
- 2025 Offseason: Expansion draft to fill rosters
- 2026 Season: First year of gameplay for new teams
However, sources close to league leadership have hinted that at least one new team could launch by late 2025 if infrastructure and ownership are in place.
WNBA News Round-Up: Latest Expansion-Related Headlines
- ESPN: “WNBA eyes Oakland and Toronto as lead cities for 2025 expansion.”
- The Athletic: “Cathy Engelbert confirms expansion is ‘closer than ever.’”
- CBS Sports: “Players want more teams now — and they’re getting louder.”
For more updates, keep tabs on WNBA News — it’s changing fast.
Why the WNBA Must Expand Now (Not Later)
Here’s what’s at stake if the WNBA delays:
- 🚫 Talented rookies getting cut before their first season
- 😠 Fan frustration boiling over on social media
- 💸 Missed revenue opportunities from new markets
- ⚠️ Risk of stagnating momentum after historic growth
Bullet Recap: Why WNBA Expansion 2025 Is a Must
- 🌎 Oakland, Toronto, and Portland lead the race
- 📈 Viewership and fan engagement are at all-time highs
- 👩🏀 Overflow of talent from NCAA to the pros
- 💬 Players and fans are demanding change
- 🏀 New teams could hit the court as early as 2025
Your Turn: Where Should the WNBA Expand?
We’ve laid out the facts — now it’s your move. Should the WNBA go international with Toronto? Or keep it domestic and bring pro women’s basketball back to Oakland?
Drop a comment, share your dream WNBA city, and hit subscribe so you don’t miss the latest on expansion, trades, and everything women’s basketball 2025.
Also Read: Latest Trending News
External Source: WNBA Official Website
FAQs
1. When will the WNBA officially announce expansion?
The WNBA is expected to announce expansion plans by late 2024, with teams potentially launching by the 2025 or 2026 season.
2. Which cities are most likely to get a WNBA team in 2025?
Oakland, Toronto, and Portland are the current frontrunners based on media reports and commissioner comments.
3. How does the WNBA expansion draft work?
Existing teams can protect a certain number of players; new teams pick from the unprotected pool to build their rosters.
4. Why is expansion important for the league?
More teams mean more opportunities for rising talent, more regional rivalries, and more fan engagement — all boosting growth.
5. Can international cities join the WNBA?
Yes, Toronto is seriously being considered and could become the first international WNBA franchise.
