Saturday, September 12, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) looks on during the game between the Mavericks and the Clippers at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard Saga Enters Uncharted Territory With Federal Probe

News of the probe comes a week after the NBA announced its punishment.

Is Carolyn Tisch Blodgett the Future Face of Giants Ownership?

Amid changes at top of Giants ownership, eyes are on Tisch Blodgett.
LeBron James acknowledges the crowd's reaction as he takes the stage for the I PROMISE Family Reunion event to welcome him home on Friday at InfoCision Stadium in Akron. The event was hosted by the LeBron James Family Foundation.

LeBron James Jumps to Polymarket From DraftKings

His endorsement deal with DraftKings expired earlier this summer.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with NFL RedZone Host Scott Hanson on Season 18, Ads and the ESPN Merger

0:00

Featured Today

Oct 4, 2025; Tempe, AZ, USA; General action during the first period of the game between the Arizona State Sun Devils and the Penn State Nittany Lions at Mullett Arena

How Military-Style Workouts in College Sports Get Dangerous

For elite athletes, high-intensity training can be “very appealing.”
September 4, 2026

Wild Transfer Window Shows How Premier League Towers Over Soccer

Spending in England vastly outstripped the rest of Europe.
September 3, 2026

Teams Are Spending Millions to Build Luxury Locker Rooms

It’s a recruiting pitch, a retention tool, and a seven-figure line item.
September 1, 2026

High School Football Sidelines Are Clogged With Content Creators

Administrators call these amateur newcomers the “pajama paparazzi.”
Aug 3, 2026; Washington, D.C., USA; Alexandra Eala (PHI) kisses the championship trophy during the trophy ceremony after her match against Jessica Pegula (USA) (not pictured) in the women's singles final of the 2026 Mubadala DC Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
August 30, 2026

How Alex Eala Turned the Philippines Into a Tennis Nation

A December homecoming match could break tennis’s attendance record.
The Herd
Exclusive

Colin Cowherd Buys Stake in EPL’s Ipswich

Other Ipswich investors include Marques Colston and Ed Sheeran.
Jun 17, 2026; Southampton, New York, USA; Bryson DeChambeau (L) and Jon Rahm (R) walk together during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament.
September 11, 2026

LIV Players in Spotlight in Bankruptcy Process

Star players could serve on a key creditors committee.
Aug 22, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) warms up before the game between the Cleveland Browns and the Bills at Huntington Bank Field
September 11, 2026

QB Contracts and New Coaches: NFL Week 1 Storylines

The league’s season is kicking off with nine major business storylines.
Sponsored

Drew Weatherford’s Bet on the Youth Sports Economy

Drew Weatherford discusses investing across the youth, college and professional levels.
Tennis - Australian Open - Melbourne, Australia, January 14, 2018. Tennis balls are pictured in front of the Australian Open logo before the tennis tournament. REUTERS/Thomas Peter
September 10, 2026

Australian Open Reaffirms Five-Set Format After CEO’s Comments

Andrew Abdo took over for Craig Tiley last month.
Aug 20, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Carlos Ortiz tees off on hole 14 during the first round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills.
September 9, 2026

LIV Bankruptcy Reveals PIF’s $495M Exit, Player Contract Details

The bankruptcy process is peeling back the curtain on LIV.
Aug 23, 2026; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Jon Rahm puts the ball on hole 12 during the final round of the LIV Golf Indianapolis golf tournament at The Club at Chatham Hills. Mandatory Credit: Jerod Ringwald-Imagn Images
September 9, 2026

LIV Golf’s Bankruptcy Road Is Unlike Its Predecessors

The troubled golf entity is looking elsewhere across sports for inspiration.
September 8, 2026

LIV Files for Bankruptcy As Fight for Survival Continues

LIV also announced a restructuring support agreement with BC Partners.