The NBA’sDetroit Pistons and Philadelphia 76ers have made official bids to bring WNBA expansion teams to their cities, signaling significant interest in the growth of women’s basketball. As the WNBA continues to experience increasing attendance and record television ratings, both bids highlight the league’s expanding footprint and growing appeal.
Detroit’s bid, spearheaded by Pistons owner Tom Gores, boasts an impressive ownership group. The group includes Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp and NBA legends Grant Hill and Chris Webber.
The proposal includes constructing a new WNBA practice facility and team headquarters, with games to be played at Little Caesars Arena, the home of the Pistons and the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Gores emphasized the opportunity to bring the WNBA back to Detroit, stressing the potential for increased investment and economic activity in the city.
There will be more teams soon
Philadelphia’s bid, led by the 76ers’ ownership group, features Comcast as a minority stakeholder. This bid, in development since 2021, also garners support from comedian Wanda Sykes and her wife, Alex Niedbalski-Sykes. The proposed team would play its games at a new arena being built in South Philadelphia as part of a joint venture with Comcast Spectator, Sixers owner Josh Harris, Comcast CEO Brian Roberts, and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Both cities are vying for the WNBA’s 16th franchise. Other potential contenders include Nashville, Houston, and Austin. The WNBA has already announced expansion teams in the Bay Area, Toronto, and Portland. The Golden State Valkyries are set to debut this season, while the Toronto Tempo and Portland team are slated to begin play in 2026.
The bids from Detroit and Philadelphia underscore the growing interest in women’s basketball and the potential for the WNBA to broaden its reach across the United States. As the league continues to evolve, new teams will offer fans more opportunities to engage with the sport and support their local franchises.
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