Headline: WNBA Expands into New Markets with Two New Teams for 2025 Season
December 23, 2024 – New York, NY – In an exciting move for the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), the league has announced the addition of two new teams for the 2025 season, continuing its commitment to expanding the reach and popularity of women’s basketball across the United States. The teams, based in Nashville, Tennessee, and Portland, Oregon, are expected to bring fresh energy to the league and further increase its visibility.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “This is a historic moment for the WNBA, as we expand into two vibrant, sports-loving cities. Our mission is to provide even more opportunities for our athletes and fans, and these new teams represent a significant step forward in that effort.”
The Nashville team will be called the “Nashville Stars” and will play in a state-of-the-art arena currently under construction in downtown Nashville. The Portland team, to be named the “Portland Pioneers,” will play in the Moda Center, home to the Portland Trail Blazers, offering fans an exciting blend of basketball talent at both the professional and collegiate levels.
The addition of these teams will bring the WNBA to a total of 14 franchises. It also highlights the league’s growing influence as it continues to attract sponsorships, television deals, and young fans, particularly with the rising popularity of women’s sports.
Several top WNBA players have already expressed excitement about the expansion, including Candace Parker and Breanna Stewart, both of whom have played key roles in increasing the visibility of the league. “It’s an exciting time to be part of the WNBA,” Parker said. “As the league grows, so does the platform for the incredible talent we have, and more fans get to see that firsthand.”
The new teams are expected to make a big splash in their debut seasons, with the draft for the 2025 season scheduled for April. Fans are eagerly anticipating the first round of picks and the potential impact these new teams will have on the league’s competitive landscape.
In addition to expanding into new markets, the WNBA also announced that it will be increasing its salary cap and providing enhanced support for player wellness and community outreach. These changes are part of the league’s broader goal to foster long-term growth and elevate the profile of women’s sports on the global stage.
The 2025 WNBA season is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, as the league prepares to showcase its expanding roster of teams, pla
yers, and fans.
