It’s no secret that the WNBA is on the rise. Investors are throwing cash at the league like it’s the next big tech startup, and for good reason—ticket sales are booming, TV ratings are climbing, and franchise values are skyrocketing. The league just wrapped up one of its most successful seasons ever, and everyone from sports moguls to random hedge fund managers wants a piece of the action.
With expansion fever in the air, WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has a gold-plated problem: way too many people want a franchise, but there are only so many slots to go around. Sure, the WNBA already has new teams lined up—San Francisco in 2025 and Toronto and Portland in 2026—but the scramble for the coveted 16th spot is where things get spicy.
Engelbert, like a contestant on a game show holding a billion-dollar check, is in no rush to decide. “It’s not like we’re just handing out teams like candy,” she seems to be saying. “You better have your ducks in a row—and by ducks, I mean arenas, practice facilities, and enough Fortune 500 companies to fund a small country.” No pressure, right?
Who’s In the Running?
Philadelphia is throwing its hat into the ring, thanks to Harris-Blitzer Sports Entertainment (the owners of the 76ers), who apparently have enough time between trying to build a new arena downtown and watching Joel Embiid dunk on people to also bid on a WNBA team. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker even name-dropped the 76ers’ ownership at a public meeting, casually mentioning that they’re “expected” to submit a bid. You know, as if running two professional basketball teams is no big deal.
Then there’s Jacksonville. Donna Orender, a former WNBA president, is leading the charge to bring a team to Florida’s “Bold New City of the South.” Sure, Jacksonville is better known for its football team and endless supply of retirees, but who’s to say it can’t also be a WNBA hotspot? The investment group down there is apparently ready to roll the dice.
Not to be outdone, Orlando is also lurking in the wings. The NBA’s Magic ownership is “studying” the idea of adding a WNBA team, which is a nice way of saying, “We haven’t decided if we’re in yet, but we’re looking at the numbers.” Because, you know, nothing screams excitement like spreadsheets and feasibility studies.
Other Cities in the Mix
Denver, Nashville, and South Florida have all been floated as potential homes for the league’s 16th franchise, and let’s face it—there’s probably a back-and-forth happening in boardrooms across America as we speak. “Can we outbid Philly? What about Jacksonville? Is anyone else concerned that Toronto is trying to take over all of Canada with their new team?”
Of course, Toronto’s entry into the league is already causing some drama. While the WNBA plans to market the team as “Canada’s Team,” not everyone north of the border is thrilled about the idea. Apparently, some Canadians don’t love the fact that everything big and shiny seems to happen in Toronto, which is the country’s financial and media capital. Sorry, Vancouver, maybe next time.
The Race to the Finish Line
So, who will ultimately win the 16th franchise? Your guess is as good as anyone’s. Engelbert says she’s looking for the perfect mix of ingredients: a great arena, a top-notch practice facility, an ownership group that’s in it for the long haul, and a city that’s both demographically and psychographically ready to support women’s basketball. Easy enough, right?
One thing’s for sure: wherever the 16th team lands, it’ll come with plenty of drama, excitement, and probably a few raised eyebrows. Until then, we’ll just have to sit back and enjoy the show—because when it comes to WNBA expansion, the stakes are higher than ever.
Now, let the games (and bidding wars) begin.