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.