The WNBA is headed to San Francisco.
On Thursday, the NBA revealed that the Golden State Warriors would be getting a WNBA expansion that will officially play its first game in 2025. The women’s team will play in San Fran at the Chase Center, which is also home to the Warriors. However, they’ll be headquartered in Oakland, at the facility that once served as Golden State’s front office and practice space, NBC Bay Area confirmed.
“We are thrilled about expanding to the Bay Area and bringing the WNBA to a region with passionate basketball fans and a strong history of supporting women’s basketball,” wrote WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in a statement.
Currently, the WNBA has 12 teams. With the extension, the league will welcome its first new team since 2008, when the Atlanta Dream made its debut with 13 players. Nevertheless, it seems that now is the best time for a WNBA expansion, considering the excellent 2023 season. According to the NBA’s official website, women’s basketball has seen new appreciation, experiencing never-before-seen viewership and attendance. Though not a professional team, LSU Tigers women’s basketball securing a championship may have played a role in the renewed interest surrounding the WNBA, which attracted the most viewers in its offseason since 2004.
As of now, the official name of the team is unknown. Fans may also begin placing deposits on season tickets.
