On the sidelines of the Draft Monday evening, Cathy Engelbert, the boss of the WNBA, gave news of the expansion of the league. We know that it will expand in 2025, with the arrival of the franchise linked to the Warriors.
It will then be a 13th team in the WNBA. Before a 14th expected in 2026, and two more by 2028. The WNBA could therefore have 16 teams in four years.
“Having four more teams adds 48 places to the squad in a few years”, explains Cathy Engelbert. “In a league that has 144, that’s a lot. That's 30% more. It will be a good thing when it's done. »
Applications are multiplying
It won't be useless because places are expensive in the WNBA. There are between 132 and 144 players in the league (minimum 11 and maximum 12 per team), so the Draft makes a lot of unhappy people. The proof: in 2023, only 15 of the 36 players drafted were able to play a match during the season.
Which cities will be interested in hosting a franchise? We talk about Philadelphia, Toronto, Denver and even Nashville.
“These are cities with which we discuss”, confirms the boss of the WNBA. “But last week, we had calls from two other cities. It can take some time to negotiate, just as it can happen very quickly if the right group of owners comes along, with the right room. »
