Move over, NBA! The WNBA is rising, and with some serious star power backing it. With record-breaking viewership averaging 1.2 million, it’s clear the league is hot right now. And it’s about to get even hotter, as three new teams join the mix over the next few seasons.
Enter Jayson Tatum, the NBA All-Star who apparently wants more than just a courtside seat to the WNBA’s success. Rumor has it that the St. Louis-born baller has his eyes set on a new WNBA franchise for his hometown. According to Sportico’s Jacob Feldman, Tatum has “informally agreed” to throw in some serious cash if St. Louis is chosen as the next WNBA destination. Sure, he’s not LeBron or Steph Curry, but hey, every expansion team could use a dash of Boston Celtic flair, right?
With the Golden State Valkyries hitting the court in 2025, and Toronto and Portland teams ready to lace up by 2026, the WNBA is on a mission to build its empire. But this fourth, mysterious expansion team? Slated for 2028, its location remains undecided—and the stakes are high.
More Than Just a Hometown Hero
Why is Tatum so hyped about bringing the WNBA to St. Louis? Perhaps he’s tired of hearing about how Boston doesn’t need another basketball team, or maybe he’s secretly a visionary who sees the league’s potential. Either way, this could be Tatum’s chance to make St. Louis the next big thing in women’s hoops. Plus, thanks to a 2023 NBA agreement, Tatum and other NBA stars can now own up to 4% of a WNBA team. Just imagine: Jayson Tatum, sports mogul. The title practically writes itself!
But Wait—There’s Competition
Of course, St. Louis isn’t the only city with WNBA dreams. Philadelphia, Denver, and South Florida are all in the running. Boston’s making noise too, after hosting a packed game between the Sun and Sparks at TD Garden in August. Heck, even the city’s pigeons were probably tweeting about it.
LeBron James and Steph Curry have both shown interest in investing in the WNBA, but let’s be real—when Tatum has his hometown pride at stake, St. Louis might just have the edge. After all, who can say no to a city that practically breathes baseball, beer, and toasted ravioli? It’s a sports paradise in the making.
2028: The Year of Dreams?
A WNBA team in St. Louis could mean more than just a game day buzz—it’s about building a community, inspiring a new generation, and giving Tatum a reason to splurge on custom jerseys in Celtic green. So, will Tatum’s dream become a slam dunk for St. Louis, or will Philly, Denver, or Florida snatch it away? The clock is ticking, but as every basketball fan knows, anything can happen in the final seconds.
Stay tuned, folks—2028 might just be the year Tatum brings a new level of “Show Me” spirit to the WNBA. And you can bet he’ll be courtside, wearing that “owner” badge with pride.
