HOUSTON — The Women’s National Basketball Association is expanding without Houston.
Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia are the markets growing the WNBA to a milestone 18 teams, with play beginning in 2028, 2029 and 2030, respectively, according to a news release.
“The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher, and we are thrilled to welcome Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia to the WNBA family,” Cathy Engelbert, WNBA commissioner, said in the release. “This historic expansion is a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum, the depth of talent across the game and the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball. … We are excited for what these cities will bring to the league — and are confident that these new teams will reshape the landscape of women’s basketball.”