Cleveland returns to the WNBA map with a new expansion franchise and a new identity.
Open Cleveland →2027 · RELOCATION, NOT EXPANSIONHouston Comets: the dynasty returns.
2027The WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors unanimously approved the sale and relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston for the 2027 season. The Comets will play at Toyota Center under Fertitta Entertainment. Because an existing franchise is moving, the league remains at 15 teams in 2027.
Why this matters to Expansion Watch
The market changes, but the team count does not. The Sun finish 2026 in Connecticut, then the franchise moves to Houston. Connecticut says Houston receives the rights to any player and coach contracts still held at handoff, so there is no separate Houston expansion draft.
THE ROAD TO 18Three new franchises follow Houston's move.
18Cleveland arrives in 2028 as the 16th team, Detroit in 2029 as the 17th and Philadelphia in 2030 as the 18th, following Golden State, Toronto and Portland in the league’s current expansion era.
A three-title WNBA city gets a new franchise, with branding and roster details still to come.
Track Detroit →The W finally reaches Philadelphia in the current expansion cycle.
Track Philadelphia →CURRENT GROWTH ERA
From 12 to 18, with one major relocation in between.
Golden State Valkyries begin play.
Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire join the league.
Connecticut Sun relocate to Houston and become the Houston Comets. The league total stays at 15.
Cleveland Sirens begin play.
Detroit begins play.
Philadelphia begins play.
Houston relocation: WNBA official release ↗ · New franchises: WNBA expansion approval ↗
EMPTY ROSTER → REAL TEAM
Relocation and expansion build rosters differently.
Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia will need expansion-roster mechanics. Houston inherits an existing franchise's contract rights and then uses normal trades, free agency and the draft to shape its 2027 team.
A plain-language map of protection, selection and roster construction for newly added teams.
Learn the process →Connecticut says Houston will hold the rights to player and coach contracts that remain with the franchise when the move occurs.
Open the Comets return hub →Each added franchise creates roster spots while forcing existing teams to make difficult protection decisions.
Open Player Movement →THE MAP HAS MOVED BEFORE
Past Expansion Waves
The WNBA’s current growth makes more sense when it sits beside the league’s earlier additions, folds and relocations.
From the original eight to the modern 18-team plan.