As free agency kicked off last month and star players began shuffling around the WNBA, another important date loomed on the league’s calendar.
Bids for the 16th WNBA franchise were due on Jan. 30, according to a league source briefed on the matter, resulting in a flurry of interest. More than 10 potential ownership groups submitted formal bids, according to people involved in the process.
As the WNBA determines where it should award its next expansion team, here are the cities and groups we know have made formal bids for team No. 16 and what the timeline is likely to look like for when a new franchise will be awarded.
Which cities submitted bids?
Through the last six months, prospective ownership groups from across the U.S. indicated public interest in the WNBA 16th franchise.
The new team will join recent expansion teams in Golden State (launching this season) and Portland and Toronto (2026). Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said she felt confident the league could expand to 16 teams by 2028.
GO DEEPER
How the Golden State Valkyries constructed their first WNBA roster
More groups than those listed below may have submitted bids, but here are nine groups The Athletic has confirmed are still involved in the process:
Austin
A group trying to bring a team to the city has filed a formal…
