A New WNBA Team May Be Heading to Philly (Unpublished)

Meet Jordan Brand's WNBA Family Source: Nike / Jordan Brand[/caption]

On Thursday, a report from The Athletic revealed more information on the WNBA's plans for expansion teams.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated that two teams are expected to be introduced to the league by 2024. Commissioner Engelbert is planning to announce the two cities welcoming new teams by the beginning of the WNBA Playoffs in September, or by the end of the year at the latest.

Engelbert believes the top contenders are clearer than others.

There’s no crisp or clear formula, but you see cities that rise to the top pretty quickly.

And we’re also looking at our current franchise cities and comparing what lessons we’ve learned and what’s worked and not worked over the last 25 years.

We really want to set up new owners for success.

Reporters Chantel Jennings and Mike Vorkunov of The Athletic, dug a bit more after speaking to their sources and they revealed that only 6 cities are really in contention. Low and behold Philadelphia is in the running. Philly sports fandom may become even more "phanatic" before 2024. Plans for Philly to get a WNBA team have been in the works for a period of time.

WNBA Champion and Delco native, Natasha Cloud joined 100.3 WRNB's The ShotClock with Mina SayWhat and mentioned that plans have been underway since 2019.

The ShotClock with Mina SayWhat - Natasha Cloud Interview


It's not necessarily a secret — that's what I was told — we are trying to get a Philly team.

It has been in the works for a year and a half. Put a little pressure, not only on the city, but on the [WNBA], too. Our thing — for us to progress, our league needs to expand.

We have to have more than 144 jobs. [...] Listen, it's in the works. I'm trying my damndest to bring a team back to Philly.

Jennings and Vorkunov's sources also revealed that other individuals have made a push for a new team in Philly.

Comedian Wanda Sykes and South Carolina coach Dawn Staley are a part of particular group that may invested. The involvement of the big brother basketball franchise would most likely be on the table if a WNBA team was to form in Philly. 76ers owner Josh Harris and has bought franchises outside of the 76ers, more recently he is in the running in for the bidding of the Denver Broncos.

Currently the WNBA has 12 teams in the league. The inevitable expansion would the league's first since 2008 with the Atlanta Dream. Adding two more teams could raise the WNBA’s valuation to over $1 billion and hit the WNBA with a fee of $15-20 million, according to Commissioner Engelbert.

Do you think Philly is ready for a possible 7th major professional sports team?

Let us know in the comment section.

For more news crossover to classixphilly.com.

 

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