The WNBA announced this week that it will be expanding to include three new teams in Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit by 2030, increasing the league’s size to 18 teams. Angel Reese expressed enthusiasm about the expansion, highlighting its importance for the league’s future and player opportunities.
Reese, originally from Maryland, told reporters on Wednesday,
“I’m excited. Philly is obviously close to home [Reese is from Maryland], Cleveland they had the Final Four there. And Detroit’s also a great city, obviously [the WNBA] had a team there before. So I’m super excited about that, but still focusing and prioritizing on things that we don’t have within the teams right now. I think that’s really important and continuing that, we have a new CBA coming up, so I know we’re doing a great job emphasizing that, putting the pressure on them about that too. But super excited to continue to grow, and more players need to be in this league because this league is great.”
—Angel Reese, WNBA Player
Reese’s Role in the Evolving WNBA Landscape
At 23 years old, Angel Reese has become one of the prominent young players in the league, averaging 12.4 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game for the Chicago Sky this season. She represents the new generation of WNBA talent rising alongside stars like Caitlin Clark and Paige Bueckers. The league’s growing popularity has driven the decision to expand to more cities, ensuring more players can participate at a professional level.
The upcoming additions of Philadelphia, Cleveland, and Detroit complement existing and planned markets such as Portland and Toronto, with Toronto set to join the league in 2026. Detroit notably hosted the Shock franchise from 1998 until 2009 before it relocated to become the Tulsa Shock and later the Dallas Wings in 2016.
The Broader Impact of Expansion on WNBA’s Future
The introduction of new teams reflects the league’s commitment to expanding its presence nationwide while maintaining competitive balance. Along with the expansion, the WNBA is preparing to implement a new Collective Bargaining Agreement, focusing on player rights and league growth. Reese’s comments emphasize the significance of such developments in enhancing the league’s infrastructure and opportunities.
This strategic growth not only increases the number of professional opportunities for rising players but also strengthens the league’s connection to major cities with passionate fan bases. As Angel Reese and her peers continue to rise, WNBA expansion efforts are likely to elevate the sport’s visibility and popularity even further by 2030 and beyond.