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Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks to the media before the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Imago
Apr 14, 2025; New York, New York, USA; WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert talks to the media before the 2025 WNBA Draft at The Shed at Hudson Yards. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The WNBA is finally released from the shackles of not having a CBA. The long negotiation meant many offseason moves remained in the pending folder. But after the WNBA and the WNBPA agreed to a deal, the offseason has officially started. The expansion draft is done, free agency and the rookie draft are on the docket. That is the immediate future. Now, the WNBA has made a major decision regarding the league’s long-term future.
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Last year, the league announced an historic expansion. “The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) today announced a major expansion to 18 teams, with new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia,” the league wrote. However, that expansion was “subject to approval”. Finally, that authorization from the board has been attained as the league announced the official years these teams will arrive.
“The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have formally approved WNBA expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia,” the league wrote. “Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030.”
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WNBA and NBA Board of Governors Approve WNBA Expansion Teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/3LmvxWYKYI
— WNBA Communications (@WNBAComms) April 10, 2026
This expansion was a direct result of the growth over the past 3 years. In 2024, Attendance grew by 48%, viewership was up 170%, and merchandise sales have increased by 600%. That trend continued in 2025. The league is already welcoming two new teams, the Portland Fire and the Toronto Tempo.
This approval ensures a major influx of capital, as each of the franchises has agreed to a $250 million expansion fee. That number would have especially been looked at after the Connecticut Sun sale controversy. Houston bought the Sun for a record $300 million but Boston minority owner Steve Pagliucca reportedly offered $325 million for the franchise. U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal accused the league of “rigging the process.” He has asked for a formal antitrust investigation into the sale. This approval suggests that $250 million was the acceptable fee.
For the players, this fee was a major player in the CBA negotiations as they leveraged the media deal and this future income to get massive pay raises. A procedural failure here could have led to everything collapsing. But this oversight is important to ensure the league is not expanding beyond its means. The WNBA has a history of franchises folding, including the Houston Comets, Miami Sol, Charlotte Sting, and several others that are now defunct.
This also suggests that the owners expect more talent coming through, as they looked at competitive balance as a factor. The governors ensured the owners’ commitment to their teams and their investment beyond just the expansion fee. They received a breakdown of their ownership structure and inspected the finances before giving it the go-ahead. And a report from Sportico reveals that Hollywood star Will Smith has found his way into owning a WNBA team.
Will Smith Invests In Philadelphia As Team Posts Strong Valuation
The WNBA already has many star owners. Tom Brady owns a part of Las Vegas Aces, Magic Johnson has his foot in LA while Serena Williams added Toronto Tempo to her portfolio. The rise of the league has brought in an increased interest among the elite stars. Now, that lists extends into Hollywood, as Will Smith has just invested into the WNBA expansion in his home city of Philadelphia.
“Josh Harris is the largest shareholder in the W team at 32.8%, followed by David Blitzer at 30.1%,” the Sportico report said. “Arctos Partners owns 15.1% via a pair of holding companies, while HBSE Investments holds 11.4%. That entity is split 50-50 between Marc Leder and Rodger and Hillary Krouse. Other shareholders include David Adelman (5.6%), Martin Geller (4.4%), Joe Gibbs Racing (0.5%) and actor Will Smith (0.1%).”
The Philadelphia-born Smith already owns a part of the 76ers NBA team. And it seems his heart is in the right direction with the WNBA too. According to the report, Cleveland has raised $290 million, which is well above the $250 million expansion fee. Detroit has raised a whopping $325 million, further showcasing how much they trust in the growth of the WNBA. The latest expansion team, Golden State Valkyries, was valued at a whopping $500 million. If everything goes to plan, the WNBA is entering its most successful era yet.
