The WNBA is set to expand to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia joining the league. Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, contingent on approvals. This expansion reflects a significant increase in the interest and investment in women's professional basketball, with each team paying a $250 million expansion fee. The new teams, backed by NBA ownership groups, aim to leverage existing basketball infrastructures to ensure successful growth within the league.
"The demand for women's basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia to the WNBA family."
"It’s such a natural fit that when you already have this basketball-related infrastructure... extending that into the WNBA is just a natural next progression."
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