Friday, July 17, 2026

WNBA Eyeing 2 Expansion Teams, Seeking Financial Stability

  • Commissioner Cathy Engelbert believes expansion can solve many of league’s economic issues.
  • Several players have voiced concerns that there aren’t enough opportunities for young players.
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

In response to players speaking out against the WNBA’s restrictive roster sizes, commissioner Cathy Engelbert is addressing their concerns by charting a path for the future of the league’s finances.

The WNBA is looking to add two expansion teams within the next few years, per the Seattle Times.

Last week, several players voiced their concerns that there aren’t enough opportunities for young players.

Sparks forward Chiney Ogwumike said, “In no circumstance should we have a league when high draft picks aren’t on a roster.”

Storm forward Breanna Stewart called the new CBA “a blessing and a curse,” imploring the league to adopt a practice squad, developmental league, or softer salary cap.

“We don’t want to jeopardize the momentum we have, but we understand the issue about roster sizes,” said Engelbert. “But when you’re a country the size and scale of ours and you’re only in 12 cities, growing the league is a way to [fix] that, as well.”

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Mar 8, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Gary Trent Jr. (5) drives for the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jevon Carter (2) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.

NBA Investigating Gary Trent Jr.’s New Bucks Contract

Trent agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal on July 11.
May 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Sky guard Natasha Cloud (9) brings the ball up court against the Toronto Tempo during the first half at Wintrust Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Exclusive

WNBA’s Cloud Calls Out Engelbert Over Sports Bettor Threats

Cloud said she constantly receives racist messages online.

Mark Cuban Gearing Up for Lawsuit Over New Mavs Arena

Cuban seeks to prove Patrick Dumont unlawfully cut him out of opportunities.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/17/26 – World Cup Final Preview Prices, Bam-Herro Aftermath, LeBron’s Waiting Game

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.

MLS Commish: ‘We’ve Got a Lot of Boats’ on Soccer’s Rising Tide

The league eyes significant growth in the wake of a massive World Cup.
July 16, 2026

NHL’s New 84-Game Schedule Brings Earlier Start, High-Profile Games

The expanded slate leans further into a series of key events.
Jul 11, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor (right) attempts a flying kick at the start of his fight against Max Holloway during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
July 16, 2026

McGregor Return Draws Nearly 16 Million Viewers on Paramount+

UFC 329 trailed Freedom 250 in total and average viewership.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Golf - The 154th Open Championship - Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, Britain - July 16, 2026 Spectators during the first round
July 16, 2026

For Fans at The Open, Golf and Alcohol Don’t Mix Easily

At the Open, alcohol sales start at 10 a.m. each day.
Jul 15, 2026; New York, NY, USA; A MLS and Apple TV advertisement for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
July 15, 2026

MLS Will Attempt to Seize on World Cup Momentum

The league is eyeing the opportunity but still has a long-term view.
July 15, 2026

WNBA’s 3-Point Contest Tickets Slightly Exceed All-Star Game

Caitlin Clark has yet to participate in a WNBA 3-Point Contest.
July 15, 2026

MLB’s Stretch Run Will Be Defined By Labor, Stadiums, and Stars

The trade deadline and contending low-budget teams also loom large.