WNBA commissioner “pretty confident” of expanding to 16 teams by 2028
WNBA eyes expansion to cities like Philadelphia, Toronto, Denver. Media rights deal aims to double value. Strategic shift in unbundling NBA rights considered.
In the realm of women's professional basketball, expansion buzz is stirring once again. Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, has ignited speculation by hinting at potential new franchise locations. In a recent statement, Engelbert listed Philadelphia, Toronto, Denver, Nashville, and South Florida as prime candidates for expansion teams. Additionally, she hinted that Portland remains in contention, keeping fans in the Pacific Northwest hopeful.
Engelbert's comments shed light on ongoing discussions with various cities, revealing the league's strategic expansion plans. "Those are the cities we're talking to," she affirmed. However, she also disclosed receiving inquiries from two additional cities just last week. This signals a dynamic process where negotiations can either be protracted or swiftly executed, contingent upon finding the ideal ownership group and suitable arena arrangements.
The prospect of expansion carries significant implications, particularly concerning the WNBA's forthcoming media rights deal. Engelbert has set ambitious targets, expressing her desire for the new deal to at least double the value of current contracts, set to expire after the 2025 season. This ambition aligns with recent renewals with CBS and Amazon, highlighting the league's growing appeal to media partners.
However, amidst this optimism, there's a strategic pivot being considered. Front Office Sports (FOS) reported the league's potential interest in unbundling some media rights currently packaged with the NBA. Such a move aims to optimize revenue generation, reflecting the league's evolving business strategy.
Engelbert emphasized the significance of the upcoming year in shaping the league's trajectory. "This is an important year for us around viewership, around attendance, around all the qualitative and quantitative factors," she stated. These factors will influence the valuation of media rights, underlining the league's multifaceted approach to growth and sustainability.
Engelbert's forward-looking vision underscores the WNBA's commitment to innovation and expansion. As the league continues to evolve, its strategic decisions will shape the future landscape of women's professional basketball, both on and off the court
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