Rock family

Rock Entertainment Group Chairman Gilbert: The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced a major expansion to 18 teams, with new teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This expansion, subject to WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors approval, marks a significant milestone in the WNBA’s commitment to growing the game.

The three new teams join the league’s 15 existing teams, including the Golden State Valkyries, who tipped off play in May 2025, as well as the previously announced expansion markets in Toronto, Canada (2026) and Portland, Oregon (2026). The Cleveland team will begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030.

As per the statement by the WNBA, each location was selected based on an analysis of market viability, committed long-term ownership groups, potential for significant local fan, corporate, media, and city and state support, arena and practice facilities, and community commitment to advancing the sport, among other factors.