WNBA Expansion Race: Nine Cities Vie for Coveted 16th Franchise
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The January 30 deadline for bids on the WNBA’s highly anticipated 16th franchise sparked intense competition, with over 10 potential ownership groups submitting proposals, according to sources. This surge in interest underscores the burgeoning popularity of women’s professional basketball and the league’s strategic expansion plans.
Contenders for the 16th Franchise
The WNBA aims to expand to 16 teams by 2028, following the recent additions of the Golden State Valkyries (launching this season), and teams in portland and toronto (2026). Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence in achieving this goal. While multiple groups submitted bids,nine remain in contention:
Austin,Texas
A group led by former Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Marc Lasry,through his investment firm Avenue Capital,is vying for a Texas team. NBA All-star Kevin Durant and former University of Texas and Houston Comets player Fran Harris are also involved. The Moody Center, home of the university of Texas longhorns, is the proposed venue, with plans for a dedicated practice facility. An NBA player, like Durant, can buy up to 4 percent of a WNBA team, and NBA players in aggregate can own up to 8 percent of a WNBA team,
according to new rules in the NBA’s 2023 collective bargaining agreement. Lasry’s previous ownership stake in the Bucks is not a conflict, as he sold his share two years ago.
Charlotte, North Carolina
A group including the Charlotte Hornets ownership group aims to bring the WNBA back to Charlotte, the former home of the Charlotte Sting. Erica Berman is leading the bid, with the Hornets stating, “Hornets Sports & Entertainment believes strongly in the future growth of women’s basketball and the WNBA… We are proud to back the Berman family and be a part of this larger group that is bidding to bring the WNBA back to Charlotte.”
Cleveland, Ohio
Dan Gilbert, majority owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, submitted a bid. Cleveland previously hosted a WNBA team, the Cleveland Rockers, from 1997 to 2003. Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse,home of the Cavaliers,woudl host games,with a planned practice facility.
Denver, Colorado
A group led by the Dimond family, with Ashley Dimond as the prospective governor and her father, Navin Dimond, also involved, submitted a bid. Ibotta CEO Bryan Leach and his family are also investors. They plan to build a purpose-built arena.
Detroit, Michigan
A group including Detroit pistons owner Tom Gores, NBA hall of Famers Grant Hill and Chris Webber, Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp, and quarterback Jared Goff, submitted a bid. Little Caesars Arena, home of the Pistons, would be the venue, with a dedicated WNBA practice facility planned. NBA commissioner Adam silver commented,“I actually think it’s really just a question of when the Shock comes back… Detroit needs to get a WNBA team again.”
Houston,Texas
Houston Rockets owner Tilman fertitta submitted a bid,with Toyota Center as the proposed venue. Houston was previously home to the Houston Comets,four-time WNBA champions.
Kansas City, Missouri
A group led by Kansas City Current co-owners Angie Long, Chris long, Brittany Mahomes, and Patrick Mahomes submitted a bid. They have secured an agreement with T-Mobile Center and plan a privately-financed 60,000-square-foot practice facility. Chris Long highlighted the regional impact, stating, “I really believe this is not just a city play for the WNBA, but a regional play where you put an anchor right in the middle of the country that obviously we think is valuable.”
Patrick Mahomes added, “I know if we were able to get a WNBA team to Kansas City, it would be packed every single night… I’m hoping we can get that done and we can continue to push women’s sports forward.”
Patrick Mahomes talks about why he’s trying to bring a WNBA team to KC
‘I love sports,I know how much the city loves sports so let’s bring as many sports in here and showcase how grate Kansas City is.’
Sports Radio 810 WHB, October 31, 2024
Nashville, tennessee
Nashville Predators owner Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, submitted a bid for a team to be called the Tennessee Summitt, honoring former Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw are also part of the ownership group.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), the ownership group behind the Philadelphia 76ers, is bidding. Comcast, which bought a minority stake in HBSE, will participate in the bid.
The WNBA’s Perspective
commissioner Engelbert stated at the WNBA Finals news conference in October 2023 that the league aims to have the 16th franchise begin play in 2027, or no later than 2028. She noted that “10 to 12 cities are very viable that we’re evaluating,”
emphasizing the importance of arena and practice facility availability, player amenities, ownership commitment, and market research. “It’s complex because you need an arena and a practice facility and player housing and all the things, you need committed long-term ownership groups,”
she explained.
Timeline and Existing Expansions
The WNBA awarded the Golden state Warriors ownership group the 13th team in October 2023. The 14th franchise in Toronto was announced in May 2024, and Portland was named the site of the 15th franchise in September 2024. An announcement for the 16th franchise is anticipated this fall if the target launch is 2027, or in 2026 for a 2028 launch.
The Toronto Tempo has already hired its general manager,Monica Wright Rogers,while Portland is working on naming its team and building a shared practice facility with the NWSL thorns.
Notable absences
Some groups that initially expressed interest did not submit bids. Donna Orender,former WNBA president,explored a Jacksonville franchise but rather launched the Upshot League. The Milwaukee Bucks ownership group also did not submit a bid.
(Photo: Alika Jenner / Getty images)
Title: “Your Exclusive Look at the WNBA’s Dynamic Expansion: Cities Competing for the Coveted 16th Franchise”
EGG-citing Query: Could the WNBA’s Expansion Lead to New Superpowers in Women’s Sports?
The WNBA is indisputably at a pivotal point in its growth trajectory. As women’s professional basketball experiences surging popularity, fans and sports enthusiasts alike are eager to see which city will host the league’s 16th franchise. Could this expansion herald a new era of market dynamics and sports culture? Let’s explore this question with the insights of Katherine Woods, a renowned sports industry expert.
Q1: With over nine cities vying for the opportunity to host the WNBA’s 16th franchise, how do you think this expansion influences the overall sports landscape in these regions?
Katherine Woods: The expansion of the WNBA into these nine ambitious cities signifies more than just the addition of a team.It represents an investment in women’s sports,signaling to these communities and beyond that the value of women’s athletics is recognized and celebrated. Cities like austin, Charlotte, and Philadelphia have strategic plans in place that promise enhanced sports infrastructure, enriching the local sports culture and paving the way for future opportunities in professional sports.
Key factors here include:
- Infrastructure Enhancements: Added sports arenas and practice facilities provide tangible benefits for both WNBA teams and local sports leagues.
- Increased Visibility: Hosting a team elevates the visibility of women’s sports, driving media attention and fan engagement.
- Economic Boost: From merchandise sales to game-day activities, local economies can experience a dynamic influx of revenue.
Each city stands to redefine its sports identity by leveraging their unique assets in this expansion, perhaps transforming into superpowers within the women’s sports arena.
Q2: Which cities stand out to you as frontrunners for securing the 16th franchise, and why?
Katherine Woods: Several key contenders emerge as frontrunners, each with compelling arguments.
- Charlotte, North carolina: With ties to the previous Charlotte Sting and the backing of the local sports community, Charlotte’s bid reflects a heartfelt and nostalgic appeal. The commitment from the Hornets’ Sports & Entertainment highlights a strong ownership group likely to meet the league’s elevated standards.
- Detroit, Michigan: The historical presence of the Detroit Shock and continued support from high-profile sports figures like Tom Gores and Chris Webber suggest that Detroit is not onyl reclaiming its past glory but also revitalizing its sports scene. Community support and economic incentives reinforce Detroit’s strong bid.
- Nashville,Tennessee: The emotional element of naming the team the Tennessee Summitt adds a unique charm,coupled with meaningful local and national figures backing the bid. This strategy not only enhances marketability but also fosters a connection with the cultural fabric of the region.
Each frontrunner brings to the table a unique set of marketing strategies, community support, and enhanced facilities, which make it increasingly arduous to predict a single winner.
Q3: Considering the wider implications, what impact might this expansion have on promoting women’s sports and inspiring the next generation of athletes?
katherine Woods: The potential impact of the WNBA’s expansion is profound. By increasing the number of franchises and, consequently, the exposure of women’s basketball, the league creates a platform that empowers young athletes and galvanizes burgeoning sports aspirations.
Key Impacts:
- Role Models: high-profile endorsement from players like Kevin Durant in Austin urges more young athletes, particularly girls, to pursue sports with greater conviction.
- Accessibility: New venues and facilities make local leagues more accessible, encouraging participation at grassroots levels.
- Narrative Change: By expanding into new markets, the league sends a powerful message that women’s sports are equally worthy of attention and investment as men’s, gradually changing long-held narratives about athletic gender roles.
This expansion is set to catalyze an inspirational shift in how future generations perceive and pursue sports, potentially leading more young girls to see themselves in professional sports arenas across the country.
Conclusion: Looking Forward
The race to host the WNBA’s 16th franchise promises to not only reshape the sports map of the United States but also underscore significant strides toward gender equality in sports. Each city offers a storyline rich with potential and each bid presents a vision of how sports communities can evolve. As fans and advocates anticipate the league’s decision, the excitement builds for what could be a transformative chapter in the history of women’s professional basketball.
We’d love to hear your thoughts on this exciting development! Share in the comments below or on our social media platforms with #WNBAExpansionRace.Let’s rally behind the continued growth and success of women’s sports together!