March 5, 2025
In a groundbreaking move that signifies the rapid growth of women’s professional sports, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced on March 5, 2025, that it will expand by adding two new teams for the 2026 season. This historic decision marks the first time in the league’s 30-year history that it will introduce new franchises in the same year, further solidifying the WNBA’s commitment to growing the sport and expanding its reach to new markets.
The two new teams will be based in San Francisco, California, and Toronto, Canada, marking the league’s first expansion outside of the United States. The San Francisco team is expected to play in a newly built arena in the city’s downtown area, while the Toronto team will call the Scotiabank Arena home, the same venue used by the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. The expansion is a direct response to the increasing popularity of women’s professional basketball, as well as the growing demand from fans and stakeholders for more opportunities to support the WNBA.
“We are thrilled to announce these two new teams, which will play an integral role in the future of the WNBA,” said Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner. “The growth of women’s basketball has been nothing short of extraordinary, and this expansion is a testament to the league’s incredible trajectory. By adding teams in San Francisco and Toronto, we are not only extending the WNBA’s reach but also creating more opportunities for young athletes around the world to see professional basketball in action.”
The expansion teams are expected to bring a wave of excitement to their respective cities, where basketball has long been a popular sport. San Francisco, with its thriving sports culture, is expected to be a perfect fit for the WNBA, with strong local support for women’s sports and growing interest in women’s basketball. Toronto, as the first Canadian city to host a WNBA team, represents a significant step in the league’s international growth strategy. The city has a rich basketball history, with a passionate fanbase and a highly successful NBA team, the Raptors, further fueling optimism for the success of the new franchise.
The expansion of the WNBA is also seen as a critical step toward creating a more sustainable future for women’s sports, providing more opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest level and gain recognition. The league has seen remarkable growth in recent years, with record attendance, increased viewership, and major sponsorship deals, including partnerships with prominent global brands. These new teams will not only contribute to the league’s growth but will also help elevate the profile of women’s professional basketball globally.
The addition of San Francisco and Toronto is expected to bring a wave of new talent into the WNBA, with the league actively working to build youth development programs in these new markets. The WNBA will also continue to prioritize initiatives aimed at improving player compensation, marketing, and brand visibility, with the goal of further closing the gender gap in professional sports.
“We’ve seen the remarkable impact of the WNBA on young girls across the country and around the world,” said Angel McCoughtry, a veteran WNBA player. “This expansion is a huge step forward for women’s sports, and it’s incredibly exciting to see the league continue to grow in such a positive direction. It shows the world that women’s basketball is here to stay, and we are only getting started.”
As the 2026 season approaches, the WNBA will face the challenge of integrating the two new teams into its already competitive landscape, ensuring that both teams have the resources, fan engagement, and infrastructure to thrive. However, the league’s track record of success and the growing interest in women’s basketball suggest that these challenges will be met with enthusiasm and determination.
The expansion of the WNBA into new markets marks a historic moment for women’s sports, reinforcing the idea that women’s athletics are not only valuable but also a vital and exciting part of the global sports ecosystem. With the addition of the San Francisco and Toronto teams, the WNBA is poised to reach new heights in the coming years, bringing world-class basketball to even more fans while inspiring the next generation of female athletes.
