WNBA Expansion: Golden State Valkyries, Toronto Tempo and More

The WNBA is preparing for a new era of growth which would be driven by the growing popularity of women’s basketball. With increasing viewership numbers, many corporate sponsorships have shown interest and the league is actively exploring expansion opportunities. They have been adding new franchises and it will not only create more roster spots for elite players but it would also deepen fan engagement and strengthen the league’s financial future.

Several cities across the country are looking for the chance to host a new team and well hoping to capitalize on the momentum of the WNBA’s success. As the league evaluates big potential markets, factors such as fan base, media presence, and financial backing will play a very significant role in determining where the next teams will land. Expansion represents an essential moment for the WNBA which signals its continued evolution into a more competitive and widely appreciated professional league.

What is WNBA Expansion?

WNBA expansion refers to the addition of new teams to the league. This increases the total number of franchises beyond the current 12. Expansion brings significant changes to the league, teams, and players. If we think about the league, it means broader national reach, increased revenue opportunities, and a deeper connection with fans in new markets. For teams, it creates fresh rivalries, redistributes talent, and introduces new business partnerships.

For players, the expansion offers more roster spots, reducing the accumulation of only one kind of talent. It has led to highly skilled athletes being cut due to limited opportunities. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has consistently tried to make the WNBA’s strong growth the driving force behind expansion. The league has experienced it all including record-breaking viewership, increased attendance, and greater corporate sponsorship investment in recent seasons. With an increasing talent pool and growing interest in women’s basketball, now is the ideal time to introduce new franchises to carry the momentum. The aim is to create a stronger league for the future. Several key factors will determine where new teams will be placed, including their market size and fan base, financial backing from ownership groups, and the presence of an apt sports infrastructure such as arenas and practice facilities.

Since its launch in 1997, the WNBA has expanded and adjusted according to different situations multiple times. The league originally had eight teams and quickly grew. It reached a peak of 16 franchises in the early 2000s. However, some teams dissolved or relocated due to financial struggles. One prime example is the Houston Comets ceasing operations in 2008 and the Utah Starzz moving to San Antonio in 2003.

Despite these challenges, there have been successful expansions like the Atlanta Dream in 2008 and the Las Vegas Aces. The Aces relocated from San Antonio in 2018, and have shown the potential for well-supported teams to grow. With new interest and a stronger foundation than ever before, WNBA expansion is destined to shape the league’s future, bringing the game to new cities and fans eager to support women’s basketball.

Criteria For Expansion

When selecting new cities for WNBA expansion teams, the league considers various key factors to ensure long-term success. Market size and fan base are the most crucial things. This is because cities with strong basketball followings and engaged sports communities provide a decent foundation for growth. Economic feasibility also plays a significant role. The reason is very basic as potential markets need to demonstrate strong corporate support, sponsorship opportunities, and the ability to carry a professional team. Arena availability is another critical factor, as cities must have a suitable venue that meets league standards for games as well as fan experiences.

Another important thing is the presence of committed ownership groups with the financial backing to support a franchise. They need to invest in player development and promote the team’s success both on and off the court. With all these things in place, WNBA expansion teams have the best chance to thrive in new markets and contribute to the league’s continued growth.

What Are the Official WNBA Expansion Teams?

The WNBA has identified and approved new cities for expansion as they bring professional women’s basketball to new markets. This would increase opportunities for players and fans alike. Let us look at some of the WNBA expansion teams:

Golden State Valkyries

The Golden State Valkyries will become the WNBA’s 13th franchise when they officially start playing in the 2025 season. The team is based in San Francisco and is owned by the Golden State Warriors, making them the second WNBA expansion team to be fully operated by an existing NBA franchise. This is since the Charlotte Sting in the early 2000s. The Valkyries will play their home games at Chase Center. It would be a top-tier venue for both players and fans.

This expansion marks a milestone for the WNBA. This is because the Bay Area has long been considered a prime location for a team due to its passionate basketball culture and strong support for women’s sports. Warriors ownership is led by Joe Lacob and Peter Guber who have been an advocate for bringing a WNBA team to the region. They cited the league’s growth and the increasing demand for women’s professional basketball. The Valkyries will also benefit from the Warriors’ infrastructure which would include access to training facilities, marketing resources, and a built-in fan base eager to support the new franchise.

The team’s name, “Valkyries,” reflects strength, resilience, and leadership. These qualities align with the growing movement to elevate women’s sports. With the WNBA’s expansion going on and a well-backed organization behind them, the Golden State Valkyries are set to become a major force in the league from their starting day.

Toronto Tempo

The Toronto Tempo which was announced as the WNBA’s 14th franchise, is set to make its debut in the 2026 season. It would be the league’s first expansion into Canada. It is owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures which is led by Larry Tanenbaum. The Tempo will play their home games at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum, an 8,500-seat arena located at Exhibition Place.

The team’s name, “Tempo,” reflects the city’s dynamic energy, and it also symbolizes pace, speed, and rhythm. Their logo features a light blue italicized “T” within a black circle which is accompanied by six lines representing the five players on the court and the fans. This expansion highlights the WNBA’s commitment to growing the sport internationally and also tapping into Toronto’s passionate basketball community.

Portland

The WNBA is set to return to Portland with a new expansion team which would debut in the 2026 season. This marks the league’s return to the city. Portland Fire ceased its operations in 2002. The upcoming team will be owned by RAJ Sports which is led by siblings Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal. They also own the NWSL’s Portland Thorns.

Home games are planned to be held at the Moda Center. It is the same venue that hosted the Fire. The new WNBA team and the Thorns will share the same facility, a $150 million training facility in Hillsboro. It is set to open before the 2026 season. This facility will feature amenities such as locker rooms, lounges, soccer fields, basketball courts, and training areas. It would represent a significant investment in women’s professional sports in Portland.

 Which Cities Are Bidding for a WNBA Expansion Team?

As the WNBA continues its expansion efforts, several U.S. cities are actively competing to secure the league’s next franchise. This competition shows the growing popularity of women’s basketball. The league’s strategic plan is to reach 16 teams by 2028.

Detroit: It is led by Pistons owner Tom Gores. Detroit is aiming to revive its rich women’s basketball heritage which was previously represented by the Detroit Shock. The proposed team would play at Little Caesars Arena and has plans for additional facilities to support the franchise.

Nashville: The bid for a Nashville team which is named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt has gathered support from notable figures such as Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw. The plan would include hosting games at Bridgestone Arena starting in 2028.

Philadelphia: Josh Harris, owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, is leading efforts to bring a WNBA team to Philadelphia. The proposal includes constructing a new arena for the team. It highlights the city’s commitment to supporting women’s professional basketball.

Kansas City: The city has a strong sports culture and support for women’s athletics. This has made it a viable candidate for WNBA expansion. Notably, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has expressed enthusiasm for backing a women’s basketball team in Kansas City. It would align with the league’s growth efforts.

Other cities expressing interest include Charlotte, Austin, Cleveland, St. Louis, Houston, and Milwaukee. Each of them presents unique advantages such as big sports markets, existing fan bases, and suitable facilities. The WNBA is carefully evaluating these bids to determine which is the most strategic location for expansion. It aims to enhance the league’s reach and capitalize on the increasing popularity of women’s basketball.