TEAM TO BE OWNED AND OPERATED BY HARRIS BLITZER SPORTS & ENTERTAINMENT
INAUGURAL SEASON SET FOR 2030 SEASON
WATCH TODAY’S ANNOUNCEMENT LIVEHERE
NEW YORK and PHILADELPHIA – JUNE 30, 2025 – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that Philadelphia has been awarded a team. Subject to WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors approval – the team is set to begin play in the 2030 season. The team will be based in South Philadelphia and will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) with Comcast holding a minority stake.
This marks a historic milestone for the city, which will welcome its first WNBA team and its first new major professional sports team since 2008.
“Philadelphia is a city with unmatched passion, rich basketball tradition, and an unwavering love for its teams,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “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 Managing Partner and Co-Founder 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. Thanks to my partners David Blitzer, David Adelman, Brian Roberts and the team at Comcast, and Governor Shapiro and Mayor Cherelle Parker for their collective leadership. We’re committed to building a world-class organization, fostering the continued growth of women’s professional sports in this great city, and bringing one of the fastest rising leagues in the world to Philadelphia in 2030.”
Fans who wish to receive more information about the WNBA Philadelphia team can visit WNBA.com/philadelphia to sign up. They can also follow @PhillyWNBA on Instagram, X, Facebook, and TikTok for updates and more information.
About HBSE
Founded by Josh Harris and David Blitzer in 2017, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) is an industry-leading sports and entertainment group, with a focus on building passionate, high performing teams that strengthen our communities. Anchored in sports, venues and ventures, HBSE’s diverse and global portfolio is centered around marquee assets, including the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, Washington Commanders, Joe Gibbs Racing, Crystal Palace of the English Premier League, as well as a growing presence across MLB, MLS, youth sports, and more. As proud stewards of some of the world’s most prestigious franchises, brands and properties, HBSE is committed to using its platform to positively impact the local communities where its teams play and perform. For additional information on HBSE, please visit HBSE.com.
About the WNBA
Currently in its 29th season, the WNBA celebrates and elevates the game of basketball and the culture around it. The league was ranked by Morning Consult as the fastest-growing brand in 2024, and No. 4 on Fast Company’s list of the World’s 50 Most Innovative Companies of 2025, on its way to setting records for engagement on social and digital platforms, attendance, merchandise sales and unique viewers across its broadcast partners. The WNBA’s commitment to societal impact is supported by the first-of-its-kind WNBA Changemaker Collective, a group of purpose-driven companies that have partnered with the WNBA to enhance the player experience, build the brand of the league and players, inspire innovation and connectivity, increase media coverage and visibility, and help drive the league’s business transformation. Ally, AT&T, CarMax, Deloitte, Google, and Nike are part of the WNBA Changemaker Collective.