The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, welcoming Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to its ranks. Cleveland will hit the court in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approval from governing bodies. The surge in demand for women's basketball is evident, with the league confirming that each new franchise will have an NBA ownership group, contributing a substantial $250 million expansion fee.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the growth, highlighting the new teams' potential to enhance rivalries and the overall league competition. Historical ties to basketball in Detroit and Cleveland, combined with infrastructure from their previous WNBA franchises, position these cities to contribute meaningfully to the league's success.

The Cleveland Cavaliers made significant moves during the recent NBA Draft by selecting 6-foot-4 guard Tyrese Proctor from Duke with the 49th pick and 6-foot-8 wing Saliou Niang from Senegal with the 58th pick. Although the Cavaliers traded their first-round pick to acquire Donovan Mitchell, they believe Proctor can contribute quickly off the bench. General Manager Mike Gansey remarked on Proctor's elite passing ability and strong decision-making, citing his impressive assist-to-turnover ratio. However, concerns about Proctor's size and defensive capabilities linger. Meanwhile, Niang, who played in the Italian league, is seen as a raw talent with defensive upside but will likely develop overseas for at least a year.

Deanna Nolan, a three-time WNBA champion, finds herself in a nostalgic yet forward-looking moment as the WNBA announces three new expansion teams: Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia. This expansion signals a transformative growth phase for the league, increasing its team count from 12 to 18 by 2030.

With a strategic vision laid out by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA aims for 16 teams by 2028, following the footsteps of successful franchise bids that have raised the bar for franchise values. Each new team paid $250 million in fees, underscoring the league's rising popularity and market potential. The expansion not only emphasizes women's sports' growing relevance but also creates opportunities for localized rivalries, enhancing fan engagement.

The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams over the next five years, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia joining the league by 2030. Cleveland will start its journey in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, contingent upon approval from governing boards. This expansion reflects a surge in demand for women's basketball, with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighting the momentum and investment in the league.

All three teams will have NBA ownership backing, each paying a hefty $250 million in expansion fees. Cleveland and Detroit look to revitalize their previous teams with potential name returns while Philadelphia plans a new arena. The addition of these teams will create natural rivalries, particularly in the East, enhancing the league's competitive landscape.

The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams within five years, adding franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030. Cleveland's team will debut in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia the following season, pending approvals. These new teams, backed by NBA ownership groups, each paid a hefty $250 million expansion fee. This move highlights the increasing demand for women's basketball, as stated by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Both Cleveland and Detroit previously hosted WNBA teams, adding to their historical significance in women's basketball. Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores expressed enthusiasm for the league's return to a city steeped in basketball tradition, promising renewed energy and investment. The new franchises will foster rivalries within the league, particularly between teams in close proximity to one another. This expansion represents a strategic growth initiative, reflecting rising attendance and media interest in women's sports.