The WNBA is coming to Philly, but it will take a few years.
The Women’s National Basketball Association announced Monday that Philadelphia has been awarded a team, along with Detroit and Cleveland.
Subject to WNBA and NBA boards of governors approval, the Philly team will begin play in the 2030 season.
The new franchise will play its games in South Philadelphia and is owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, which is headed by Josh Harris and owns the 76ers. Comcast holds a minority stake in the new team.
This marks a milestone for the city, which will welcome its first WNBA club and its first new major professional sports franchise since the Union in 2008.
“Philadelphia is a city with unmatched passion, rich basketball tradition, and an unwavering love for its teams,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, a native of Collingswood, N.J. “It’s only fitting that this iconic sports town is finally home to a WNBA franchise.
“From neighborhood courts to historic college arenas, basketball runs deep in Philly — and we’re proud to bring the W to a city that’s ready to embrace it,” added Engelbert, whose father Kurt was coached by Jack Ramsey at Joseph’s University and is in the Big Five Hall of Fame. “We’re grateful for Josh Harris, David Blitzer, David Adelman, Brian Roberts, and the entire ownership group for their leadership and investment in growing the game and elevating women’s sports in this incredible community.”
Harris, co-founder and managing partner of Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, expects the WNBA team to play in a new arena shared with the Sixers. The practice facility may be based in Camden, where the 76ers are currently headquartered.
Harris — a Maryland native who attended University of Pennsylvania and also owns the Washington Commanders and New Jersey Devils — had initially proposed an arena downtown in the Market East/Chinatown district, but recently settled for a South Philly site in the sports complex that also includes Lincoln Financial Field and Citizens Bank Park.
“Philadelphia is one of the most storied basketball cities in the world, and our region is home to some of the greatest women’s players and coaches to ever grace the hardwood,” Harris said. “It’s only right that this city finally gets the WNBA franchise it deserves, and we’re humbled to help usher in a new era of Philadelphia basketball.
“We’re committed to building a world-class organization, fostering the continued growth of women’s professional sports in this great city, and bringing one of the fastest rising leagues in the world to Philadelphia in 2030.”
The Cleveland franchise, owned by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, will begin play in 2028 at Rocket Arena.
Detroit’s team will start playing in 2029 at Little Caesars Arena. Tom Gores, who owns the Pistons, is the majority stakeholder. Former NBA players Grant Hill and Chris Webber and current Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff are minority owners.
Originally Published: June 30, 2025 at 10:11 AM EDT