In 22 years, the WNBA has grown from eight teams, to sixteen, back to twelve. After expanding too quickly early on, the league has remained stable for nine years.
Over the past two years, the WNBA has seen significant improvements in both attendance and ratings. One way the league can capitalize on its recent spike in popularity: expansion.
Back in 2015, WNBA president Laurel Richie discussed the idea of expansion “a couple of years down the road”. The idea was presented when the league was struggling. Now that the league is experiencing a period of growth: It’s time to act.