• Loading stock data...
Saturday, September 6, 2025
Fox Analyst and Media Entrepreneur Greg Olsen to Speak at Tuned In Get your ticket now!

The WNBA Wants to Add a 16th Team, but Where? Here’s What We Know

  • The league announced Wednesday that its 15th franchise will be in Portland starting 2026.
  • Commissioner Engelbert has expressed it wants to have 16 teams by 2028.
D. Ross Cameron-Imagn Images

The WNBA announced its third expansion team in the last 12 months—but it wants one more.

On Wednesday, the WNBA revealed that its 15th franchise will debut in Portland in 2026 together with a Toronto-based team, following the Golden State Valkyries, which join the league next season. 

In April, commissioner Cathy Engelbert declared she is “pretty confident” the league will expand from its current crop of 12 teams to 16 teams by 2028. So with one slot available, the question remains: Where will that team play? 

Potential Choices

Engelbert has laid out Philadelphia, Nashville, Denver, and South Florida as possible options for another expansion franchise.

Last year, Engelbert toured Denver to see whether the city would be fit for a team, though that has yet to materialize. 

The revival of past franchises could also be explored—and one that fans have been clamoring for is the Houston Comets, the inaugural champions. Considering Engelbert mentioned South Florida as a potential location, the revival of the Miami Sol, which existed for only three years, may also be in the cards.

Boston had expansion market buzz following a sold-out game in TD Garden between the Connecticut Sun and Los Angeles Sparks last month, though they were not mentioned by Engelbert.

Geographically, because the WNBA already has several teams on the West Coast, and in the Midwest and Northeast, it would make sense for the league to target Florida, Texas, Colorado, or the Mid-South region.

Changing History

If the league fulfills Engelbert’s 16-team goal, it would tie the most number of franchises the league has ever had. The WNBA, which launched with eight teams in 1997, had 16 teams from 2000 to 2002.

Financial constraints caused several teams to fold or relocate, with the league hovering between 13 and 14 teams from 2003 to 2009 before settling into 12 teams in 2010. The league would not want to repeat history.

But it does feel different this time around—even though The Washington Post reported earlier this year that the league is still losing tens of millions every year

In July, the WNBA, alongside the NBA, signed a media-rights deal worth $2.2 billion over 11 years. The WNBA will also receive an influx of funds from its expansion team fees, and this historic season has driven up ticket sales by over double digits across all franchises.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Angel Reese

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
Valkyries

Valkyries Are Only Latest WNBA Team To Be Displaced in Playoffs

Several important playoff series have been moved over the years.
Mar 28, 2025; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Los Angeles Clippers owner Steve Ballmer leaves his court side seat after a game against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center.

‘They Conned Me’: Ballmer Responds to Kawhi Leonard Allegations

Ballmer spoke on “SportsCenter” about the allegations he broke NBA rules.

Featured Today

Dec 21, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) gets ready to take the field prior to a game against the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

How Brazil Game Fits Into NFL’s Plans for World Domination

Friday night’s Chiefs-Chargers game in São Paulo is big by design.
Oct 13, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) and wide receiver A.J. Brown (11) celebrate their touchdown pass during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Lincoln Financial Field.
September 2, 2025

TV Ratings Just Changed Again. The NFL Will Be the Big Winner

Nielsen’s new viewership system will have a big impact on sports.
Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.
August 30, 2025

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.

MLB Attendance Is Holding Steady, but Gap Widens Between Teams

Recent attendance data varies widely from market to market.
September 4, 2025

NBA Hopes Global Format Can Revive 2026 All-Star Game

A new, globally themed format is in development for the midseason showcase.
Walker Cup
September 4, 2025

Prestigious Cypress Point Is Hosting Biggest Golf Event in 35 Years

Fans get a rare glimpse at one of the most exclusive courses.
Sponsored

Trailblazer Cal Calamia Is Racing for ‘Advocacy, Storytelling, and Performance’

The marathoner wants excellence—not just inclusion—to be the goal for non-binary athletes.
September 3, 2025

Scheffler, McIlroy, but No LIV at Trump Jupiter Made-for-TV Showcase

The eight-player team showcase will take place Dec. 17 in primetime.
Caitlin Clark
September 3, 2025

Podcast Deletes Episode With Big3 Announcer’s Claim of $15M Caitlin Clark Offer

Clark’s WNBA contract was less than $80,000 in her first season.
September 3, 2025

Barcelona, AC Milan Abroad? Fan Groups Reject Travel Plans

Supporter groups warn of a “Pandora’s box” if overseas games happen.
September 3, 2025

Roger Goodell: NFL’s Next Frontier Is More Games, More Countries

The commissioner has pushed for an 18-game season since last spring.