Where should the WNBA expand next?

The WNBA recently announced its upcoming expansion plans, introducing new teams in several cities over the next few years. Beginning next year, the league will welcome two new teams: the Toronto Tempo and the Portland Fire. By 2030, three additional teams will be established in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). With the league's growing popularity and brand recognition, the WNBA is making strategic moves to capitalize on its expanding fan base. However, there are previously defunct teams and other promising sports markets that the WNBA should consider for expansion over the next decade to sustain its growth.

Perhaps no team is more recognizable from the early years of the WNBA than the Houston Comets. The Comets were a dominant team, winning the WNBA's first four championship titles, led by their big three of Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, and Tina Thompson. Despite the Comets' early success, they unfortunately folded in 2008 due to financial difficulties and a lack of new ownership after the WNBA took over the franchise. Though the franchise had a short-lived lifespan, the Comets' legacy has made a lasting impact on the WNBA, serving as a foundation for the league and an inspiration to future generations of athletes and fans.

If the WNBA is determined to bring franchises back to previously successful markets like Detroit and Portland, there is a possibility that the Sacramento Monarchs may return in the future. The Monarchs were one of the eight original teams when the WNBA was established in 1997. They were closely affiliated with the Sacramento Kings and were significantly more successful during their time as a franchise from 1997 to 2009. During that period, the Monarchs made the playoffs nine times and won their first and only championship in 2005.

Unfortunately, the Monarchs franchise did not last much longer, as they were the last WNBA team to cease operations. Now would be an ideal time for the WNBA to revive this once-proud franchise, especially in a Southern California sports market that has recently welcomed a new WNBA team, the Golden State Valkyries.

As the WNBA continues to grow, several cities have surprisingly never hosted a franchise. Two large sports markets that would be ideal for a WNBA team are Boston and Miami.

Though Boston is a very crowded sports market with several historic franchises in various sports, the Celtics are arguably the most historic franchise in basketball. Because of the Celtics' relevancy, I believe a sister WNBA franchise in Boston would be an ideal move to expand the WNBA's brand and popularity. Though there is nothing imminent happening, there does appear to be momentum building for a WNBA team to come to Boston at some point. So much so that the Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey and the Boston City Council have been outspoken advocates of a WNBA team being added to the city.

Miami is a city known for its entertainment, attractions, and successful professional sports franchises. The absence of a WNBA franchise in Florida highlights the opportunity to establish a team in Miami in the near future. Introducing a sister franchise to the Miami Heat would be an excellent way for the WNBA to establish a presence in this densely populated sports market. According to a recent poll, WNBA players share this sentiment. Miami was the top choice for WNBA expansion, receiving 37% of the votes from players, due to the city's vibrant culture and potential for strong fan support.

Expansion is a crucial aspect of any professional sports league, and it is most necessary for a league like the WNBA that is steadily increasing in popularity. The moves that are being made and continue to be made to expand the league not only benefit WNBA players and the league as a whole, but also benefit fans of basketball. Expansion to the appropriate sports markets will increase the financial growth of the WNBA and its players to allow for a sustained level of success and prevalence for years to come.