Philadelphia’s future in the WNBA is now official.
The WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors formally approved expansion teams for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia on Thursday, April 9, finalizing a process that was first announced on June 30, 2025. Philadelphia’s franchise is scheduled to begin play in 2030, following Cleveland in 2028 and Detroit in 2029. With the addition of those clubs, the league will grow to 18 teams.
Philadelphia’s team will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the group behind the Philadelphia 76ers. Josh Harris will serve as governor of the franchise. The team does not yet have an official name.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the expansion reflects the league’s continued momentum and the growing demand for women’s professional basketball. The move gives Philadelphia its first WNBA franchise and adds another major piece to the continued growth of women’s sports in the city.
Thursday’s vote marks the final approval needed to make the expansion official, bringing a long-anticipated WNBA team to Philadelphia and setting the stage for its debut in 2030.
