As women’s professional basketball continues to grow in popularity, the WNBA is poised for expansion. Several cities are leading candidates for a new WNBA team, driven by strong sports cultures, untapped markets, and increasing investment in women's sports.
Here’s why Seattle, St. Louis, Las Vegas, and other major metropolitan areas are prime candidates for future franchises.
Seattle: A City Waiting for Redemption
Seattle is not only a top candidate for an NBA return but also for a WNBA expansion. The city’s basketball heritage is undeniable. The Seattle SuperSonics were a beloved franchise from 1967 to 2008, delivering iconic moments and a 1979 NBA championship. However, in one of the most infamous sports betrayals, the team was moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 due to disputes over arena funding and ownership politics.
Despite the loss of the Sonics, Seattle remains a basketball haven. The city is home to the WNBA's Seattle Storm, one of the league's most successful franchises with four championships. Fans have shown unwavering support for women's basketball, making it clear they’re ready to embrace another team. The NBA is also rumored to be considering Seattle for expansion, particularly with the construction of Climate Pledge Arena, a world-class venue already hosting the NHL’s Seattle Kraken.
St. Louis: A Sleeping Giant
St. Louis has a rich sports history, from the Cardinals in MLB to the Blues in the NHL, and it previously hosted the NBA’s Hawks until their relocation to Atlanta in 1968. St. Louis is a city with passionate fans and an untapped market for basketball. The city has a strong sports infrastructure, a growing population, and corporate sponsors eager to support a new franchise.
While St. Louis hasn’t been publicly linked to WNBA expansion talks, it remains an intriguing candidate. Its central location and sports-friendly culture could make it a natural fit for a WNBA team looking to capture new fans in the Midwest.
Las Vegas: The Sure Bet
Las Vegas is undoubtedly the frontrunner for both WNBA and NBA expansion. The city’s transformation into a sports mecca began with the arrival of the NHL’s Vegas Golden Knights in 2017 and the NFL’s Raiders in 2020. The city's love affair with sports is only growing, and MLB’s Athletics (formerly of Oakland) plan to move to Las Vegas as soon as 2028.
The WNBA is already thriving in Las Vegas, thanks to the Aces, the league’s 2022 and 2023 champions. With a vibrant fan base, abundant resources, and unmatched entertainment appeal, Las Vegas is ready for another basketball team, whether from the WNBA or NBA.
Other Metropolitan Areas in the Mix
Several other large U.S. cities without WNBA or NBA teams could also enter the conversation. Kansas City, with its NBA-ready T-Mobile Center and deep basketball roots, is often floated as a candidate. San Diego and Louisville, both boasting large markets and basketball cultures, also stand out. Finally, cities like Tampa Bay and Austin could emerge as dark horse candidates due to their rapidly growing populations and favorable demographics.
Seattle, Las Vegas, and St. Louis stand ready to make their mark. From Seattle's quest for redemption to Las Vegas's undeniable appeal, the landscape of women’s professional basketball could soon feature exciting new chapters in these vibrant metropolitan areas. With the sports world watching, it’s only a matter of time before these cities join the WNBA family.
