WNBA Breaks Attendance Record and Announces Expansion Plans for 2030
The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) has achieved a new milestone by breaking its single-season attendance record, drawing over 2.5 million fans to games across the country this year. This record was set after 226 games involving 13 teams, surpassing the previous record set in 2002 with 256 games and 16 teams.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the growing public interest in women's basketball and announced plans to expand the league from 15 teams to 18 teams by 2030. New teams in Portland, Toronto, Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia are part of the league's commitment to expanding the game and reaching new fan bases in more cities.
The inclusion of Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia teams in the WNBA is pending approval by the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors. If approved, Cleveland will join the league in 2028, followed by Detroit and Philadelphia in 2029 and 2030, respectively. The Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire are also set to start playing in 2026.
Commissioner Engelbert expressed excitement about the league's growth and the increasing demand for women's basketball. The historic expansion reflects the momentum of the league, the talent in the game, and the rising interest in investing in women's professional basketball.
In conclusion, the WNBA's record-breaking attendance and expansion plans signal a bright future for women's basketball, with new teams and increased opportunities for players and fans across the country.