The WNBA is officially Philly-bound!
At long last, the City of Sisterly Love has been awarded its own WNBA franchise as the league is set to expand to 18 teams over the next five years.
Toronto and Portland are already set to debut their new franchises next season, while Cleveland will officially join the league in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia the season after, though they still need final approval from the NBA and WNBA Board of Governors.
“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.”
As is the case with Philadelphia’s NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers, the city’s WNBA team will find its home in South Philadelphia and will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) with Comcast as a minority owner.
Securing a team in the WNBA has been a focus for HBSE and the city for some time now. The city’s official bid was placed in January of this year after the team announced plans to add a franchise ahead of the new stadium being built in the South Philly sports complex that will house the Sixers, Flyers, Wings, and now this new professional sports franchise. The new stadium build is projected to be completed by 2031, with a possibility of opening a year sooner, in time for the inaugural season of Philly’s WNBA franchise.
“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.”
Philadelphia’s newest pro sports franchise does not yet have a name, but that will certainly be a major topic of conversation throughout the city and the league between now and 2030.
