WNBA Players Association (WNBPA) President and Seattle Storm star Nneka Ogwumike gave two words of hope for fans who have been holding on for so long for the much-awaited expansion of the WNBA.
As one fan has noted on X, Nneka Ogwumike was on TikTok and responded to a comment about the need for expanding the WNBA roster.
“TIME TO EXPAND THE ROSTERS,” one said.
“They need to,” another said.
— Vanshay Murdock 🎥🎥 (@VanshayM) May 4, 2025
Ogwumike chimed in with her simple but hopeful response.
“On it,” she said, adding in a crossed fingers emoji.
The WNBA’s expansion is long overdue, given the league’s growing popularity and the increasing talent pool from college basketball. With only 12 teams, many talented players struggle to secure roster spots, leading to a frustrating lack of opportunities for rising stars. The league has seen a surge in viewership, attendance, and sponsorships, proving that women’s basketball is thriving.
Expanding the WNBA would not only create more jobs for players, coaches, and staff but also allow more cities to embrace professional women’s basketball, fostering deeper fan engagement and regional pride.
The WNBA has officially announced two new expansion teams: the Golden State Valkyries, set to debut in 2025, and a Toronto-based franchise, expected to join in 2026. The Valkyries will be based in San Francisco, playing at Chase Center, while the Toronto team will call Coca-Cola Coliseum home.
These additions will bring the league to 14 teams, with plans to reach 16 teams by 2028. Several cities, including Portland, Cleveland, and Charlotte, are vying for the next expansion slots, with ownership groups eager to invest in the league’s future.
With women’s basketball at an all-time high, the WNBA’s expansion is a necessary step to accommodate its growing audience and talent pool. The league’s leadership, led by Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, is focused on sustainable growth, ensuring that new franchises are financially stable and well-supported.
Nneka Ogwumike Stays With Storm for 2025 Season
Ahead of the 2025 season, Nneka Ogwumike announced that he has re-signed with the Seattle Storm. This is at a time when the franchise is rebuilding from the ground up with a refreshed roster.
“I’m so grateful to run it back with Seattle this season. After a great first year, I’ve found a new home, and I’m proud of what we’re building and adding to the Storm legacy. Here’s to another season in PNW,” said Ogwumike in a statement.
During the 2024 season, Nnek Ogumike averaged 16.7 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, proving to be a reliable offensive and defensive presence.
For more basketball content, click on Hardwood Heroics. Sabel Reyes can be reached through [email protected]. Other websites under the Sports Heroics umbrella are Gridiron Heroics and Wisconsin Heroics.
Sabel has been working as a field reporter for People’s Television Network (PTV), mainly about the Philippine Basketball Association since 2016 and has been elevated to Executive Producer for sports in 2022. Aside from being on top of the Philippine sports scene, she is also a running enthusiast. You can also follow her on X at @SabelReyes2 and Instagram at @msabelreyes.
