The Women's National Basketball Association announced on Monday morning that Philadelphia is being awarded an expansion team that will begin playing in 2030. The WNBA's announcement is a part of a new round of expansion that will see the league expand to Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philly in 2030. Once the Philadelphia franchise gets underway, that will mark 18 teams for the league, which first began play in 1997.
The Philadelphia WNBA franchise will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which also fulfills the same duties for the Sixers. The league announced at the team will be based in South Philadelphia. Comcast will hold a minority stake in the team as well.
There has been no word yet as to what the expansion team will be.
“Philadelphia is a city with unmatched passion, rich basketball tradition, and an unwavering love for its teams,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, a Collingswood, NJ native, in a press release. “It’s only fitting that this iconic sports town is finally home to a WNBA franchise. From neighborhood courts to historic college arenas, basketball runs deep in Philly — and we’re proud to bring the W to a city that’s ready to embrace it. We’re grateful for Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, Brian Roberts, and the entire ownership group for their leadership and investment in growing the game and elevating women’s sports in this incredible community.”
“Philadelphia is one of the most storied basketball cities in the world, and our region is home to some of the greatest women’s players and coaches to ever grace the hardwood,” said Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment's Josh Harris. “It’s only right that this city finally gets the WNBA franchise it deserves, and we’re humbled to help usher in a new era of Philadelphia basketball.”
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