WNBA unveils Bay Area expansion team to start play in 2025
New York TimesThe WNBA will launch an expansion team in the Bay Area in 2025, the league announced Thursday. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said at a Bay Area news conference that the league’s goal “is to have a 14th team by 2025 as well.” When asked about potential cities, she said she’s visited Portland, Denver and Toronto. The Athletic reported last week that the Golden State Warriors were finalizing an agreement to bring a WNBA team to the Bay Area. Tune in at 1pm EST/10am PST on X and the WNBA App to watch live remarks from @CathyEngelbert and @wnbagoldenstate pic.twitter.com/l7UiUT7kA3 — WNBA October 5, 2023 What they’re saying “The Bay Area is the perfect market for a WNBA team, and we are thrilled this opportunity has finally come to fruition,” Warriors co-executive chairman & CEO Joe Lacob said in a statement. “We have been interested in a WNBA franchise for several years, due in part to the rich history of women’s basketball in the Bay Area, and believe now is the ideal time to execute that vision and build upon the legacy.” Backstory The WNBA has been talking about expansion for the last couple of years.
History of this topic
Golden State Valkyries select 11 players through WNBA expansion draft
Associated PressWNBA season to tip May 16 with expansion Golden State Valkyries opening at home that night
Associated Press
WNBA releases 2025 schedule: The Valkyries’ debut, record games per team and matchups to watch
New York TimesWNBA teams allowed to protect up to six players for upcoming expansion draft for Golden State
Associated Press
WNBA reveals new expansion team amid huge popularity spike thanks to Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Co
Daily MailWNBA awards Portland an expansion franchise that will begin play in 2026
Associated Press
WNBA announces new expansion team based in Portland, Oregon
CNN
WNBA awards Portland an expansion franchise that will begin play in 2026
LA Times
WNBA 'adds 15th franchise as it agrees to expand to another West Coast city' amid league's plans to bring new teams to San Francisco and Toronto
Daily Mail
Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside US, with expansion team set to begin play in 2026
The IndependentWNBA will pay for flights for playoffs and back-to-backs. Expansion to 16 teams possible by 2028
Associated Press
Is the NBA inching toward expansion? What we know about Las Vegas, Seattle and more
New York TimesPotential WNBA expansion team for Portland shelved for now
Associated PressWNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expects to add another expansion team soon
Associated PressGolden State Warriors granted WNBA expansion franchise to begin play in 2025
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