Saturday, July 11, 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

The Parity Era of Women’s Tennis Continues at Wimbledon

Karolína Muchová and Linda Nosková meet in the Wimbledon final Saturday.
Mar 21, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) controls the ball during the second quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

Kawhi Leonard Trade on Hold Until NBA Wraps Investigation

The Raptors agreed to acquire Leonard from the Clippers in June.
Dec 16, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks during press conference at the Emirates NBA Cup Final at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

NBA Expansion Heats Up in Vegas, Slows in Seattle

Multiple potential bidders have expressed interest in Vegas in recent weeks.
Jan 7, 2023; Boulder, Colorado, USA; PAC 12 sports broadcaster Jacob Tobey prior to the game between the Oregon State Beavers against the Colorado Buffaloes at CU Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Exclusive

Jacob Tobey Out as Spurs Announcer After Affair Allegation

Tobey had been calling Spurs games since 2024.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/10/26 – World Cup Ratings Records, Seahawks Sale Narrows, Kawhi Trade Limbo

0:00

Featured Today

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.
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.
July 2, 2026

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.
Jul 10, 2021; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Conor McGregor fights Dustin Poirier during UFC 264 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Eyes Record-Setting Weekend with McGregor’s Return

Dana White said UFC 329 will be the highest gate in UFC history.
Jan 17, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat guard Terry Rozier (2) drives to the basket against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
July 8, 2026

Judge Deals Blow to Rozier’s NBA Comeback Bid

Rozier was arrested in October as part of the federal gambling probe.
Nov 26, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Anaheim Ducks center Leo Carlsson (91) gestures after scoring during the second period against the Vancouver Canucks at Honda Center. Mandatory Credit: William Liang-Imagn Images
July 9, 2026

Ducks Match Record-Setting Offer Sheet for Leo Carlsson

The contract’s $18 million AAV is a new NHL record.
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.
Mar 28, 2024; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Philadelphia Flyers logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team against the Montreal Canadiens during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-USA TODAY Sports
July 8, 2026

Flyers Owner Remains in Limbo Amid Comcast Spin-Off

Sources say Comcast Spectacor’s long-term home is still unclear.
Aug 24, 2024; Oakland, California, USA; The major league baseball logo is seen on signage near the player's entrance to the field at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum before the game between the Oakland Athletics and the Milwaukee Brewers. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
July 8, 2026

MLB Takes Another Swing at India With Cricket Star

MLB is looking to tap further into the world’s most populous country.
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
July 7, 2026

Ducks’ $90M Carlsson Decision Looms

The Flyers’ offer for the emerging star sets an NHL salary record.
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.