Tuesday, July 7, 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

Apr 1, 2026; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (15) looks to pass the ball during the second half against the Utah Jazz at Delta Center.

Nuggets ‘Unconcerned’ Over Jokić’s Delay in Contract Extension

Jokić is eligible for the richest deal in NBA history next summer.
Mar 19, 2022; Scottsdale, AZ, United States; Victor Evans (26) jumps to dunk the ball at Victorium. Basketball Big3 Tryouts

Big3 Fights Lawsuit Over NFTs Amid Plans to Go Public

A Big3 representative says the case is a “classic nuisance suit.”
Sep 29, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens talks to reporters during media day at the Auerbach Center. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images

Brad Stevens Preaches ‘Optionality’ in Defense of Jaylen Brown Trade

The Celtics executive conceded that the trade wasn’t popular with fans.

Chicago Sky Shuffle Practice Venues As Facility Delay Continues

Chicago has not given a firm opening date for their practice facility.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/7/26 – USMNT Eliminated by Belgium, Trump’s FIFA Call Scrutinized, Tiger Woods Sells Golf Simulator Company, Giannis Heads to Miami

0:00

Featured Today

ATLANTA, GA - September 05: Georgia Lottery fireworks after the game against the Seattle Mariners at Truist Park on Friday, September 5, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Inside the Spectacle and Science of MLB Fireworks

Postgame fireworks are lighting up baseball for America250.
Kansas City Chiefs
July 1, 2026

NFL Teams Push to Turn Futbol Fans Into Football Devotees

NFL teams are courting international soccer fans during their World Cup visits.
June 26, 2026

What We Saw Traveling the U.S. for the World Cup Group Stage

The knockout stage begins Sunday.
June 26, 2026

In an Era of $1,000 Tickets, $10 Watch Parties Bring Fans Together

Stadium watch parties now rival home-game experiences.
June 25, 2026

Italian Americans Have Severe World Cup FOMO

Bars and restaurants in Boston, Philly, and beyond are missing the Azzurri.
Mar 12, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Anaheim Ducks forward Leo Carlsson (91) skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Ducks’ $90M Carlsson Decision Looms

The Flyers’ offer for the emerging star sets an NHL salary record.
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.
July 6, 2026

Clock Is Ticking on LIV Golf’s Search for New Investors

LIV’s U.K. event is scheduled to begin July 23.
Dec 7, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Hall of Fame outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. takes photos during a game between the Seattle Seahawks and Atlanta Falcons in the first quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
July 7, 2026

Ken Griffey Jr. Wants to Bring Black Athletes ‘Back to Baseball’

Griffey’s fourth annual Swingman Classic will take place on Friday.
Sponsored

Josh Childress: Why Now Is the Time for NBA Expansion

Josh Childress on why he invested in the Portland Thorns, the case for NBA expansion, and donating to Stanford NIL.
Jul 1, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Bryce Harper (3) reacts before the fourth inning at Citizens Bank Park.
July 6, 2026

No Timer in Derby, New 3-on-3 Game Among MLB All-Star Changes

The midseason showcase includes several schedule and format shifts.
Jun 17, 2026; Southampton, New York, USA; Jon Rahm plays his tee shot on hole 15 during a practice round for the U.S. Open golf tournament.
July 6, 2026

Rahm Headlines 7 LIV Players at PGA Tour’s Scottish Open

The Scottish Open is co-sanctioned with the DP World Tour.
July 5, 2026

USMNT’s Balogun to Play After Red-Card Ban Lifted

FIFA suspended Balogun’s ban, clearing the USMNT star for Belgium.
Jun 24, 2026; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) dribbles the ball while Phoenix Mercury guard Lexi Held (10) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
July 3, 2026

Caitlin Clark Denounces Hate Following Alyssa Thomas Incident

The public comments marked Clark’s first since the June 24 incident.