WNBA expansion is happening faster than at any time in the league’s 30-year history. The league had 12 teams in 2024, has 15 today and will reach 18 by 2030, with new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia, the WNBA confirmed.
So which teams are coming, how much are they paying, and how will they build their rosters? This guide explains WNBA expansion team by team.
WNBA Expansion Timeline
| Season | New team | Arena | Expansion fee | League size |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Golden State Valkyries | Chase Center, San Francisco | $50m | 13 |
| 2026 | Toronto Tempo | Coca-Cola Coliseum, Toronto | $115m | 15 |
| 2026 | Portland Fire | Moda Center, Portland | $125m | 15 |
| 2027 | Houston Comets (Connecticut Sun relocate) | Toyota Center, Houston | Sale: $300m | 15 |
| 2028 | Cleveland Sirens | Rocket Arena, Cleveland | $250m | 16 |
| 2029 | Detroit (name TBC) | Little Caesars Arena | $250m | 17 |
| 2030 | Philadelphia (name TBC) | New arena planned | $250m | 18 |
For example, look at the fees. Golden State paid $50 million to join in 2023. Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia will each pay $250 million, five times as much, the Associated Press reported. That shows how quickly the value of a WNBA team has grown.
Golden State Valkyries: The Blueprint for WNBA Expansion
First, the Valkyries showed every new owner what success looks like. They sold out all 22 home games in their first season in 2025, averaging a league-record 18,064 fans, the club announced.
They also became the first expansion team to make the play-offs in their first season. In 2026, they went even further, finishing 32–12 as the No. 2 seed and winning their first play-off series against the Dallas Wings. They remain in the semi-finals against the Las Vegas Aces.
As a result, their sell-out streak now stands at 44 games. For the full picture, read our report on the 2026 WNBA attendance record.
Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire: The Class of 2026
Next, two teams joined in 2026, taking the league to 15. The Toronto Tempo became the first WNBA franchise outside the United States, the AP reported. The Portland Fire revived the name of the city’s original WNBA team, which played from 2000 to 2002.
However, results were mixed in year one. Portland finished 17–27, while Toronto ended 11–33. However, both teams drew big crowds. Portland averaged 14,452 fans, fourth in the league, and a Tempo game in Montreal drew 20,996, a WNBA regular-season record, TSN reported.
How the 2026 Expansion Draft Worked
Meanwhile, new teams build their first rosters through an expansion draft. On 3 April 2026, the 13 existing teams could each protect up to five players. Portland and Toronto then took no more than one player from each team, the WNBA explained.
Portland won a coin toss for the first pick and chose Bridget Carleton. Toronto took Julie Allemand second. Each team picked 11 players. Other picks included Carla Leite, who finished third in the voting for Most Improved Player, as we reported in our WNBA awards 2026 round-up.
The Houston Comets Return
In addition, Houston is getting a team back, but not through expansion. Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta agreed to buy the Connecticut Sun for a record $300 million, and the team will move to Houston for 2027, NBC Sports reported.
The team will play as the Houston Comets. The original Comets won the WNBA’s first four titles, from 1997 to 2000, before folding in 2008. League owners approved the move in May 2026, KXAN reported.
Because this is a move rather than a new team, the league stays at 15 teams in 2027.
Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia: WNBA Expansion to 18 Teams
After that, the league announced its next three teams together on 30 June 2025. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said demand for women’s basketball “has never been higher”, the WNBA reported. League owners formally approved the plans in April 2026.
Cleveland Sirens (2028)
Cleveland returns to the league after the Rockers folded in 2003. Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert’s company runs the team, which revealed its name and logo in August 2026, Just Women’s Sports reported.
Detroit (2029)
Pistons owner Tom Gores leads the Detroit group, with former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber among the minority investors. The team has no name yet, but bringing back the Shock name is under consideration. The original Shock played from 1998 to 2009 and won three titles, WILX reported.
Philadelphia (2030)
The 76ers’ owners lead the Philadelphia bid. The team is linked to a new arena planned for South Philadelphia, although it may play at an existing venue until that is ready, the AP reported.
What WNBA Expansion Means for Players
For players, expansion means one thing above all: more jobs. Before the Valkyries arrived, the league had just 12 teams, and many talented players could not find a roster spot.
In practice, each new team adds at least 12 places, plus two development spots under the new labour deal. By 2030, that will mean dozens of extra jobs at the top level of women’s basketball.
On top of that, the money is better too. The minimum salary rose to between $270,000 and $300,000 in 2026, depending on experience, while the average reached about $583,000, the WNBA said. That gives young players a real reason to stay in the league instead of heading overseas in search of better pay.
A Short History of WNBA Expansion
The WNBA launched in 1997 with eight teams, and the Houston Comets won the first four titles. Over the next decade, the league added new teams but also lost several, including the original Portland Fire, Cleveland Rockers and the Comets themselves.
Eventually, by the 2010s, the league had settled at 12 teams. The arrival of the Valkyries in 2025 marked the first new franchise since 2008, and it opened the door to the rapid growth we are seeing now.
Why Is the WNBA Expanding So Fast?
Three things are driving the growth. First, fans are turning up in record numbers, with 3.79 million attending regular-season games in 2026.
Second, money is flowing in. The league’s media deal with Disney, NBCUniversal and Amazon is worth $2.2 billion over 11 years, Front Office Sports reported. In addition, the new seven-year labour deal signed in March 2026 raised the salary cap to $7 million per team, the WNBA said.
Third, the league is adding teams slowly. The AP reported that the step-by-step plan aims to avoid spreading the talent too thinly. More teams also mean more jobs for players, as rosters grow to 12 plus two development spots.
Which Cities Could Be Next?
Meanwhile, several other cities bid for teams in 2025, including St Louis, Kansas City, Austin, Nashville, Miami, Denver and Charlotte, the AP reported. No process has been announced for teams beyond 18.
Similarly, the schedule is growing too. The regular season will expand to up to 50 games in 2027 and 52 from 2029, the WNBA said.
WNBA Expansion: Quick Answers
How many teams are in the WNBA?
Fifteen in 2026 and 2027, rising to 16 in 2028, 17 in 2029 and 18 in 2030.
What are the newest WNBA teams?
The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire joined in 2026, a year after the Golden State Valkyries.
Is Houston getting a WNBA team?
Yes. The Connecticut Sun will move to Houston and play as the Comets from 2027.
Your Turn
Which city do you think deserves the next WNBA team? Tell us in the comments, and follow our WNBA play-offs coverage as the Valkyries chase a place in the Finals
Last updated: 8 October 2026.
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