The WNBA has announced its plans to expand to 18 teams by the end of 2030, with new franchises set to join in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. Despite the league’s continued growth, including the Golden State Valkyries as its 13th team, and upcoming additions in Toronto and Portland, one WNBA star has voiced concerns. Sophie Cunningham, a teammate of Caitlin Clark on the Indiana Fever, praised the league’s efforts but raised doubts about the players’ enthusiasm for playing in the Midwest.
She questioned the selection of Detroit and Cleveland, suggesting that cities like Miami, Nashville, or Kansas City might have been better choices. Cunningham also highlighted the potential risks of rapid expansion, emphasizing the need for balance to avoid dominance by some teams and neglect of others. The WNBA’s commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, expressed optimism about the expansion, citing the growing demand for women’s basketball and the strong support from cities like Houston, which had a storied history in the league with the Houston Comets.
The expansion plans include new teams starting in 2028 for Cleveland, 2029 for Detroit, and 2030 for Philadelphia, assuming they gain approval from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors. Other cities that submitted expansion bids include St. Louis, Austin, Denver, Charlotte, and Houston, with the latter having a strong history in the league with the former Houston Comets, who won the first four WNBA championships. Engelbert acknowledged Houston’s bid and praised its ownership group, noting Tilman Fertitta’s support for the WNBA.
Cunningham’s comments reflect a broader conversation about the league’s growth strategy, balancing the need for expansion with the desire to maintain competitive balance and fan interest. While the WNBA is optimistic about the expansion’s potential to increase the league’s profile and revenue, Cunningham’s skepticism underscores the challenges of selecting the right markets and ensuring the long-term success of new franchises.