Wednesday, July 1, 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

Jan 25, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) talks with Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) and forward Draymond Green (right) after the game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

LeBron Watch 2026: Where Does the NBA’s Biggest Free Agent Fit Best?

James won’t return to the Lakers after eight seasons.
Oct 24, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; NBA on Prime reporter Allie Clifton (right) interviews Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) after the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Allie Clifton Credits ‘Road Trippin’ for Changing Her Career

Richard Jefferson approached Clifton to join the podcast in 2017.
Jun 11, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert meets with the working media before Portland Fire against the Las Vegas Aces at Moda Center.

Cathy Engelbert Responds to Alyssa Thomas’s Callout

Thomas received a Flagrant 2 foul and one-game suspension last week.
Jun 30, 2026; London, United Kingdom; Serena Williams of the United States returns a shot during her match against Maya Joint of Australia on day two at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.

Serena Williams Loses in Return to Singles at Wimbledon

It was her first singles match since the 2022 US Open.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

7/1/26 – LeBron Leaves the Lakers, Kawhi to Toronto, Sorsby Drops NFL Fight, Serena Falls at Wimbledon

0:00

Featured Today

Kansas City Chiefs

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.
Indiana Fever guard Lexie Hull (10) celebrates a three-point basket Monday, June 22, 2026, during the game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Fever defeated the Phoenix Mercury, 86-77
June 24, 2026

Female Athletes Are Trying to Build the ‘Athleisure of Beauty’

“Performance cosmetics” have emerged alongside the women’s sports boom.

Brendan Sorsby Embraces 650-Day Wait for Chance at NFL Roster

The quarterback is a man without a home this fall.
July 1, 2026

Bobby Bonilla Day Would End With MLB Owners’ Proposal

MLB team owners are seeking to outlaw future contracts with deferred money.
FILE PHOTO: Tennis - WTA Finals - Riyadh - King Saud University Indoor Arena, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - November 8, 2025 Belarus' Aryna Sabalenka in action during her final match against Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina
July 1, 2026

WTA Finals Moves to Indian Wells After Ending Saudi Arabia Deal

The deal between the WTA and Indian Wells is only for one year.
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.
Apr 5, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the first quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
June 30, 2026

Clippers Set to Trade Kawhi to Raptors as Aspiration Ruling Looms

Adam Silver has indicated that a ruling is coming soon.
Apr 2, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers goaltender Sergei Bobrovsky (72) acknowledges the fans after the game against the Boston Bruins at Amerant Bank Arena.
June 30, 2026

Free Agents Set to Reap Rewards of NHL Record Salary Cap

Attention will be focused on Sergei Bobrovsky and John Carlson, among others.
Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - June 29, 2026 Italy's Jannik Sinner in action during his first round match against Serbia's Miomir Kecmanovic
June 30, 2026

Slippery Grass Surface Once Again Takes Spotlight at Wimbledon

Maja Chwalińska was injured after slipping on the grass.
June 30, 2026

Josh Childress: Women’s Sports Attracting ‘New Pool of Capital’

The former NBA player also weighed in on expansion and Stanford athletics.