The WNBA is heating up! With 15 teams already in the mix, a sixteenth franchise is set to emerge soon, poised for a grand return in Cleveland as the Rockers rise from the ashes.
Joining the WNBA? It’s Getting Pricier!
In recent months, the race for WNBA franchises has been electrifying. The league announced its bold vision to expand from 12 to 16 teams by 2028. Three new contenders have already stepped onto the court: the Golden State Valkyries, the Toronto Tempo, and a new squad in Portland. It seemed like only one spot remained, and according to Tom Friend from Sports Business Journal, Cleveland has snagged it! Rumor has it there’s a whopping 90% chance that the Buckeye State will welcome a new franchise. If all goes as planned, the Rockers will make a triumphant return for the 2028 season, more than two decades after they last suited up.
Dan Gilbert, the brains behind the Cleveland Cavaliers, is set to take the reins of this fresh WNBA franchise. But making this happen isn’t a small feat—it required a massive check! Friend reports that the price to join the WNBA has skyrocketed to $250 million! That’s a staggering leap compared to what the Valkyries ($50 million), Toronto ($115 million), and Portland ($125 million) forked over recently.
Will We See Two More Teams Soon?
Things are so bright for the WNBA that the league is even eyeing further expansion, potentially adding two more franchises to push the total to 18. With the surge in entry costs, it’s clear why! These two teams could join the league in 2029 and 2030. While nothing is official just yet, Houston and Philadelphia are in the mix with promising proposals, along with Nashville, Detroit, and Miami as potential hotspots. However, the competition remains fierce, and many other cities are in the running to host new teams.
Source: Sports Business Journal
William covers the sports world with passion and precision — from transfer rumors to game-changing performances. With a sharp eye for trends and a love for bold storytelling, he brings fans closer to the action, one article at a time.
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