During the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas, excitement around basketball took a new form as Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey expressed his inspiration from witnessing the Las Vegas Aces’ current WNBA season. Maxey’s visit to an Aces game energized him about the imminent arrival of a WNBA team in Philadelphia, highlighting growing enthusiasm among local basketball fans.
Philadelphia’s Ongoing Effort to Secure a WNBA Franchise
Philadelphia has long sought to join the WNBA’s expanding landscape, with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the Sixers’ ownership group, actively competing in the league’s expansion bids. The WNBA recently announced plans to add three new teams, including an expansion club in Toronto, with Philadelphia’s franchise expected to launch by 2030. This effort aligns with the city’s deep basketball roots and its eagerness to embrace professional women’s basketball.
Support from League Leadership Highlights Philadelphia’s Basketball Heritage
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert emphasized Philadelphia’s powerful connection to basketball and the league’s excitement to bring a new team to the city.
“Philadelphia is a city with unmatched passion, rich basketball tradition, and an unwavering love for its teams,”
Engelbert said. She highlighted the city‘s basketball culture spanning from local courts to historic college venues, underscoring the symbolic importance of Philadelphia welcoming a WNBA team.
“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.”
—Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner
WNBA’s Expansion Strategy Includes Cleveland and Detroit Before Philadelphia
Before Philadelphia joins the league, the WNBA plans to introduce new teams in Cleveland and Detroit, bringing the total number of franchises to 18 by the time Philadelphia’s team debuts. This phased growth reflects the increasing popularity and significance of women’s professional basketball across the United States. Figures like Maxey and league leadership are driving the momentum behind these expansions, aiming to enhance visibility and opportunities in women’s sports.
Building Momentum for Women’s Basketball in the City of Brotherly Love
As Philadelphia prepares to welcome its first WNBA franchise, excitement within the city continues to grow. Tyrese Maxey’s firsthand experience at a Las Vegas Aces game and his open support speak to the passionate fanbase ready to rally behind women’s basketball. This enthusiasm suggests a promising future for the sport in Philadelphia and highlights the city’s ongoing influence within the professional basketball community.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Tyrese Maxey a 5 star?
A. As early as his sophomore year, Maxey was considered a top recruit. He thought about leaving high school early to join the Kentucky Wildcats but decided to remain at South Garland. There, he became both a McDonald’s All-American and earned the title of Texas Mr. Basketball.
Q. Is Tyrese Maxey an All-Star in 2025?
A. Unfortunately, Maxey wasn’t selected as an All-Star when the 2025 Eastern Conference reserves were announced. Among the chosen guards were Damian Lillard from the Milwaukee Bucks, Darius Garland of the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Cade Cunningham from the Detroit Pistons.