• Loading stock data...
Thursday, February 12, 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.”

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

LA28 Stands by Casey Wasserman After Reviewing Epstein Ties

Abby Wambach and Chappell Roan have left Wasserman this week.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, FL, USA; Angel Reese (5) of the Rose takes a shot against the Vinyl in the first half of the Unrivaled women’s professional 3v3 basketball league at Wayfair Arena

Angel Reese Rejoins Unrivaled For Team’s Final Three Games

Reese will rejoin Rose BC to finish out the regular season.
Feb 7, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) defends Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second quarter at Kia Center.

NBA Teams Ramp Up Their Tanking Efforts Ahead of All-Star Break

Utah’s stars have not been on the court in the final minutes of the last three games.

Kansas Says ‘No Inside Information’ After Odd Darryn Peterson Scratch

Kansas knocked off No. 1 Arizona without Peterson on Monday.

Featured Today

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.
February 6, 2026

Milan’s Olympic Village Is Built for Performance—and Partying

Making Milan’s Olympic Village was a five-year sprint.
February 5, 2026

Welcome to the Prediction-Market Super Bowl

Hundreds of millions of dollars are being traded across many platforms.
Feb 1, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots players arrive prior to Super Bowl LX at San Jose Mineta International Airport.
February 3, 2026

Private Equity Has Reached the Super Bowl

The Patriots are one of four NFL teams with PE investment.

Grand Slam Track’s Bankruptcy Plan: Paying Athletes and Stiffing Vendors

The plan heavily favors athletes over vendors, but it isn’t final.
February 9, 2026

NFL Players Push Back on 18th Game: ‘Stop Lying to People’

Discussion on the 18th game has been ongoing for over a year.
February 10, 2026

PWHL Still Laser-Focused on Next Round of Expansion

The PWHL is leaning on its Takeover Tour to inform next moves.
Sponsored

From AUSL to Women’s Hoops: Jon Patricof on Building Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
February 9, 2026

NFL Opening-Night Decision Starts in Seattle: Chiefs, Bears in Play

The Super Bowl champions have a stacked 2026 home schedule.
February 9, 2026

Goodell Says Adding NFL Teams Abroad Is ‘Very Possible Someday’

The league has been aggressively expanding its international footprint. 
February 8, 2026

Los Angeles Is Preparing for a Very Different Super Bowl in 2027

The Southern California sports market is very different compared to four years ago.
February 8, 2026

Super Bowl LX Ends With Seahawks on Top—and at Crossroads

The Seahawks claim their second Super Bowl title in franchise history.