Why Philadelphia Deserves the WNBA’s Next Expansion Team

The WNBA has enjoyed significant growth in recent years, with revenue and fan interest both taking off. This success has led to an increase in talks around potential expansion for the league, especially considering there’s more talent than available roster spots across the W.

A recent report from Front Office Sports revealed the handful of cities under consideration as expansion sites. Philadelphia was included on that list, and there’s several reasons why the WNBA should grant a franchise to this sports Mecca.

Why Philadelphia Should Get a WNBA Team

A rich sports history

The city of Philadelphia is synonymous with sports. From the famous Rocky Balboa steps, to championships won by both its pro and collegiate teams, and a fan base unlike any other in the entire country, this is the ideal locale for a WNBA team to succeed.

Past attempts at a women’s basketball franchise in Philly simply didn’t give this city a real chance to back its own team. There was the Fox in 1979, who didn’t even get a full season before being shut down to financing issues. Then the Rage, whose league (the American Basketball League) folded midway through its third campaign after declaring bankruptcy.

Now, as women’s basketball’s popularity rises and fans get invested in players as early as high school, this is the perfect moment to launch a WNBA team in Philadelphia. They’d also enter a time where the city has three legit pro championship contenders in the 76ers, Eagles and Phillies. Fans’ overall sports excitement is already sky-high, which should translate over to a new franchise seamlessly.