إمكانية إحياء الهوية الكلاسيكية - WNBA تعلن عن ثلاثة فرق جديدة للتوسع

The WNBA has officially announced its next wave of expansion, confirming plans to add three new franchises between 2028 and 2030. This move will bring the league's total to 18 teams and, with two of the new franchises set for former WNBA markets, increases speculation about the revival of classic team identities.

Cleveland:

Set to join for the 2028 season, Cleveland will once again have a WNBA team. The city was previously home to the Cleveland Rockers, one of the league's original eight franchises that operated from 1997 to 2003. The league has already filed a trademark for the "Cleveland Rockers" name, and the new ownership group, Rock Entertainment Group (which also owns the NBA's Cavaliers), has fueled speculation on its website.

Detroit:

In 2029, the league will return to Detroit, home of the highly successful Detroit Shock from 1998 to 2009. The Shock were a dominant force, winning three WNBA championships (2003, 2006, 2008). While the original Shock franchise was sold and relocated, eventually becoming today's Dallas Wings, the beloved "Shock" identity is available. The WNBA has also filed for its trademark, signaling a strong possibility of its return.

Philadelphia:

The expansion will conclude in 2030 with a brand-new franchise in Philadelphia, marking the first time the city will host a WNBA team. The club will be owned by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, the same group that operates the Philadelphia 76ers.

This latest expansion follows the recent additions of the Golden State Valkyries (2025), and the upcoming Portland and Toronto Tempo teams (2026). The league's move to trademark defunct names like the Rockers and Shock - along with others like the Charlotte Sting, Houston Comets, and Miami Sol signals a clear strategy to preserve and potentially resurrect its historical brands.