How Many WNBA Teams Are There? Complete Guide to the League Structure
The WNBA is in the middle of a major growth spurt — adding new teams, expanding its footprint, and redefining what women’s professional basketball can look like in 2025 and beyond. The league size, conferences, and future expansion all matter now more than ever.
As of the 2025 season, the WNBA features 13 teams, after the introduction of a new expansion franchise. But that’s just the start: the league has announced plans to grow to 18 teams by 2030, bringing in several new cities. This article outlines the current structure, recent changes, and what fans can expect in the near future.
Read More ›
Current WNBA Structure (2025 Season)
● In 2025, the WNBA has 13 active teams.
● The newest franchise as of 2025 is Golden State Valkyries.
● The 13 teams are divided into two conferences — Eastern and Western — with established teams in each.
History & Evolution: From 8 Teams to 13 — and Growing
● The WNBA launched in 1997 with just 8 teams.
● Over the years, through expansions, relocations, and contractions, the league grew — now reaching 13 teams in 2025.
● The 2025 expansion marks the first time since 2008 that the league added a new team.
What’s Next: Expansion Plans & Future Teams
● According to the league’s recent announcement, the WNBA plans to expand to 18 teams by 2030.
● The expansion will be phased: after the 2025 debut of the Golden State team, additional new franchises are expected — including teams in new markets over the next few years.
Read More ›
● The goal behind expansion: respond to growing popularity, broaden fan base, and invest in women’s professional basketball across more cities.
Why the Expansion Matters: Impacts on Players, Fans & the Sport
● More Opportunities for Players: With more teams, there are more roster spots — young players, international stars, and rising talents get greater chances to compete at the highest level.
● Wider Fan Reach: New franchises in different cities means more fans get to experience WNBA games live — potentially boosting attendance, local support, and community engagement.
● Growth of Women’s Basketball: Expansion signals confidence in the league’s future; it reflects rising popularity, increasing media attention, and greater investment in women’s sports.
● Competitive Balance & Diversity: As the league adds teams, the competitive landscape can get more diverse — fresh rivalries, different styles, and broader talent distribution.
Looking Ahead: What to Watch
● Which new cities will join next? — As the WNBA expands to 18 teams, the announcements of upcoming franchises will draw high interest.
● Maintaining Talent Depth — More teams means a larger talent pool is needed; how the league balances quality and expansion will be key.
Read More ›
● Support & Infrastructure — For expansion teams to succeed, arenas, fan support, and organizational resources have to match ambition.
● Long-Term Stability — With rapid growth, ensuring financial, competitive, and operational stability will be crucial for the WNBA’s sustained success
