WNBA expansion teams 2026: Get the latest scoop on rumored cities, potential rosters, and what this means for women’s basketball’s future.
The buzz around WNBA expansion teams 2026 is heating up—and it’s not just a rumor anymore. With record-breaking viewership, sold-out games, and star power from names like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Angel Reese, the league is at a tipping point. For years, fans have been calling for new franchises, and now the WNBA is ready to answer.
In this post, we’ll break down the cities most likely to land teams, the timeline, and what it all means for the future of women’s basketball in 2025 and beyond.
Why WNBA Expansion Is Finally Happening
The WNBA has experienced a massive surge in popularity over the last two seasons.
What’s driving expansion talks:
- 2025 TV ratings up 78% year-over-year
- Record jersey sales led by Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese
- A growing talent pool from elite NCAA programs
- League-wide sellouts and social media engagement through the roof
“We are actively working toward adding at least two new franchises by 2026.” – Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
Cities Rumored for WNBA Expansion Teams in 2026
Here’s a breakdown of the top candidate cities currently in serious talks or under consideration:
| City | Status | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto, CAN | Confirmed | Major market, NBA synergy |
| Philadelphia | Strong rumor | Basketball hotbed, ready fans |
| Nashville | Emerging | College hoops culture |
| Portland | Strong rumor | Former WNBA city, fan base |
| Oakland | Investor-backed | Deep WNBA/NBA roots |
Toronto: The First Confirmed Expansion Team
The WNBA officially announced in mid-2025 that Toronto will host an expansion team in 2026, marking the league’s first international franchise.
- Ownership group led by Kilmer Sports Ventures
- Partnership with Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment
- Games to be played at Coca-Cola Coliseum
Toronto is expected to make a big splash in the 2026 WNBA Expansion Draft, targeting young, undervalued talent.
Philadelphia and Portland: The Front-Runners
Philadelphia is gaining steam thanks to:
- A large sports market hungry for women’s basketball
- Existing WNBA fan communities from college ball
- Potential arena partnership with Wells Fargo Center
Portland, meanwhile, offers:
- A loyal fan base still nostalgic for the former Portland Fire
- NBA-ready arena infrastructure
- Ownership interest from Trail Blazers stakeholders
The WNBA Expansion Draft: How It Will Work
Each new team will build its roster through an expansion draft, likely to occur in early 2026.
Key rules (projected):
- Existing teams protect 6–8 players
- New teams select from unprotected players
- Salary cap and roster limits remain standard
Expect Toronto to go after young contributors or seasoned vets on expiring deals.
What Expansion Means for WNBA Players
Good news: more roster spots, better pay opportunities, and wider exposure.
For players like:
- Caitlin Clark (Indiana Fever)
- Angel Reese (Chicago Sky)
-
Aliyah Boston (Indiana Fever)
…expansion will lessen the burden of carrying team viewership and give the league even more parity.
Bonus: Rookie deals may become more valuable, and veteran players could find new homes with fresh leadership and systems.
Fan Reaction: The Internet Is Hyped
Social media went wild after Toronto’s confirmation.
Fan quotes:
“It’s about time. Canada’s been ready for years!” – @WNBATorontoFan
“Philly needs a team. Sell out the Liacouras Center every night.” – @HoopsPhilly
“Let’s go! Finally more teams so the talent gets a chance.” – @SheGotNextPodcast
The hashtags #WNBAExpansion, #WNBAinToronto, and #GrowTheGame have been trending weekly.
How Expansion Will Impact Viewership and Revenue
With more cities and teams come higher TV contracts, increased sponsorships, and larger local fanbases.
| Metric | 2024 | 2025 | Projected 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg. Viewership (mill.) | 1.1M | 2.3M | 3.5M+ |
| Total Teams | 12 | 12 | 14–16 |
| Jersey Sales (top 5) | $9M | $17M | $25M+ |
The Clark-Reese Effect is real—and adding new teams only multiplies that exposure.
WNBA Commissioner’s Vision for 2026
Cathy Engelbert has made it clear: the WNBA is no longer niche. It’s growing, thriving, and on a mission to expand globally.
“With Caitlin Clark and a new generation of stars, the time is now. Expansion is the next step in solidifying the WNBA’s future.”
Expansion and the 2026 CBA: What to Watch
The new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which will follow the 2025 season, could shift:
- Expansion draft rules
- Rookie pay scales
- Revenue-sharing models
- Team salary caps (likely to increase)
Expect expansion to play a key role in how the new CBA is negotiated.
Conclusion: WNBA Expansion Is the Future—And It’s Already Here
The arrival of WNBA expansion teams in 2026 isn’t just a sports story—it’s a cultural moment. More cities, more players, more opportunities. Toronto is already in. Philly, Portland, and Nashville might not be far behind.
And with a new crop of talent led by Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and others, the WNBA’s growth is just getting started.
What city do YOU want to see get a WNBA team? Drop a comment below, share this with a fan, and subscribe to stay ahead of all WNBA news and expansion updates!
FAQs
1. What city is confirmed for WNBA expansion in 2026?
Toronto is officially getting a WNBA team in 2026—the league’s first international franchise.
2. How will the WNBA expansion draft work?
Existing teams will protect 6–8 players, and new teams can draft from the unprotected list.
3. Which cities are likely to get WNBA teams next?
Philadelphia, Portland, Oakland, and Nashville are top contenders.
4. How does expansion help current players?
It creates more roster spots, increases exposure, and helps spread the talent across the league.
5. When will the WNBA expansion teams start playing?
New teams are expected to debut during the 2026 WNBA season, with drafts and staffing happening in late 2025 and early 2026.
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External Link: WNBA Official Site
