Editor\"s Note: This story updated Sept. 26, 2024.
Sports fans andOntario sportsbooks Fans in the Greater Toronto Area will have a fresh team to support and bet on come 2026.
It has been revealed this summer that Toronto, the largest city in Canada, will welcome a WNBA expansion team set to debut in the upcoming 2026 season. Additionally, this month it was announced that Portland, Oregon, will also see the return of a women’s basketball team for the same season.
When you also consider the new team launching in the San Francisco Bay area in 2025, it's evident that the league is experiencing rapid growth.
The WNBA playoffs are ongoing andOntario NBA betting The excitement for Canadian basketball enthusiasts is about to kick into high gear. However, one might wonder what the chances are for other cities to acquire the next WNBA franchise when the league expands to a 16th team. Here are our speculative odds:
Next WNBA Franchise Odds
City / Metro |
Percentage Chance |
Odds |
Houston, TX |
40.0% |
+150 |
Philadelphia, PA |
22.2% |
+350 |
Miami, FL |
12.5% |
+700 |
Denver, CO |
6.3% |
+1500 |
Detroit, MI |
6.3% |
+1500 |
Nashville, TN |
4.8% |
+2000 |
Charlotte, NC |
4.8% |
+2000 |
The Field |
3.2% |
+3000 |
Keep in mind that these probabilities were specifically created fordeereplanet.com . Your favoriteOntario sports betting apps operators provide a broad range of betting options for both WNBA and NBA, though not specifically on this issue.
When Might New WNBA Franchise Start?
As of 2024, the WNBA consists of twelve teams. Among these, the most recent addition is the Atlanta Dream, which was established back in 2008.
The Golden State Valkyries will become team number 13 when they commence play next season. Following them, the new franchises in Toronto and Portland will increase WNBA membership to an unprecedented total of 15 teams. The teams slated to start in 2026 have yet to unveil their mascots.
This marks Portland's second attempt at hosting a women’s franchise. The city, home to the NBA’s Trail Blazers and MLS’s Timbers, previously had the WNBA team known as Portland Fire, active between 2000 and 2002.
Toronto is on track to welcome the first WNBA team in Canada. Check out ourWNBA expansion teams guide to learn how other teams fared during their inaugural seasons.
Sports Business Journal disclosed this week that approximately a dozen bidders are preparing for Team No. 16, with a potential launch date set for 2027 or 2028.
Which Cities Could Potentially Secure the Next WNBA Franchise?
The five leading cities on our list all host NBA franchises. This is expected as many of the largest urban areas in North America are vying for an additional professional team to capitalize on the surging interest in women's basketball.
We have Houston as the frontrunner with +150 odds, indicating a 40% chance of success. Texas billionaire Tilman Fertitta, who owns the NBA's Houston Rockets and the Landry's restaurant group, has openly expressed his aspirations to revive a WNBA team in Houston. The Houston Comets were champions for four consecutive seasons from 1997 to 2000 but ceased operations after the 2008 season.
Following Houston, Philadelphia ranks second with +350 odds. As home to the NBA's 76ers, it is the fourth-largest TV market in the U.S. that has never seen a WNBA team. Miami (+700) previously hosted a WNBA team from 2000 to 2002, similar to Portland. Rounding out our list are two more NBA cities, Denver and Detroit, both at +1500 odds.
As opportunities for WNBA betting in the 2024 season begin to diminish, ourToronto Raptors betting guide will provide all the necessary information as the NBA season returns.
USA Today photo by Kirby Lee
