High Post Hoops WNBA Expansion Roundtable

The staff at High Post Hoops discusses WNBA expansion.

We’re just a week into Year 22 of the WNBA, but after another training camp filled with league-quality players cut due to roster limits, it’s left many wondering if it’s time for expansion.

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The league started by growing rapidly in its first five years, going from eight teams in 1997 to 16 just three seasons later. That may have been a bit too ambitious, and the 2000s were a turbulent time, as the league went back and forth between 13 and 14 teams for most of the decade thanks to six franchises folding and two (Chicago and Atlanta) joining in.

But since the 2010 season, the league has held firm at 12 teams, and there’s only been two relocations in that time (Tulsa to Dallas in 2016 and San Antonio to Las Vegas this year). That stability is leading to the idea that the league should expand again.

Over at Swish Appeal earlier this week, Albert Lee broke down some benefits to expansion and theorized on some cities that could appeal to the WNBA. Our High Post Hoops staff gathered for a roundtable and answered four questions about WNBA expansion.

1. Is it time for the WNBA to add teams?

Howard Megdal: Yes, provided strong ownership groups are in place. The league needs success stories in new markets, and that only happens with proper, long-term investment.

Arielle Chambers: It’s absolutely time to add teams to the W. Too much talent is going to waste because of lack of room. We now have the resources to preserve the body longer, so players aren’t retiring early. There has to be a way to keep the seasoned vets in the league, while making room for newer players.

Erica Ayala: Yes.

Wayne Gethers: Yes.

Jasmine Baker: Yes.

Blake DuDonis: This one hurts me to say, but no. Clearly there is enough talent not in the league that begs for more teams. But, in my opinion, there needs to be a continued upward trend of the financial aspect of things before we start adding more teams.

Alex Simon: I really think it’s starting to get to a point where, if it doesn’t happen soon, it will raise questions about whether the league wants it to happen. Blake brings up some excellent points about the financial aspects of the league, but part of me is wondering whether those financial issues are partially self-inflicted certain teams (looking at you, New York!). The interest is there and the talent is there. Why wait any longer?

Ben Dull: It all comes down to ownership. There are plenty of other positive indicators driving that conversation. To name a few: the depth of the overall talent pool, more young international players vying for roster spots and quality competition for the final playoff spots between deserving teams, and a true wealth of superstar-level talent. But it will always come down to whether or not potential owners out there are willing to step up to the plate enough to truly invest their time, money and resources to make it all work.

2. If the WNBA were to expand, how many teams should they add?

Howard: There’s no minimum or maximum, but it should depend on ownership.

Wayne: 2

Jasmine: 2 or 3.

Erica: I think at least two teams would be great. I also like Wayne’s idea of adding roster spots. 12 seems like a short bench, especially considering most of the players are competing year-round.

Alex: I think there’s enough interest for four new teams, but I know that the league could expand by two right now and see the quality of the product stay close to exactly the same. So maybe roll out four in groups of two.

Blake: If it were to expand, I think two would be a fine number.

Arielle: I’d say adding two teams would be a great asset for the league.

Ben: Two or four to keep an even number, although conferences have all but been abolished in the WNBA. If quality ownership groups are out there, they should have every opportunity to help this league grow by bringing this league to their market.

3. Is there any rule change that you’d propose alongside an expansion?

Blake: Does making it a requirement that every team has jerseys available to purchase in their team store count?

Arielle: I would just maybe alter the draft contract situation and give the draft picks guarantees.

Howard: I’d actually love to see the league move the three-point line back to where the men have it. What will happen is what always happens when the WNBA does this—a dip in accuracy at first, gradual adaptation, and ultimately an increase. And what that would do for spacing, offensive flow and pace, well, it would make the league even more exciting to watch.

Erica: More roster flexibility would be great. Something by the way of call-ups or an injured reserve, DL might be a nice addition.

Ben: Scrap the core designation entirely or completely overhaul it, increase roster sizes to 13, and tie the salary cap to the BRI (basketball-related income). That isn’t everything I’d propose, but it’d be a start.

Alex: All of Ben’s ideas are exactly tied to what I’d think. But I think allowing for teams to carry up to 14 or 15 roster spots year-round but only have 13 active on a given night, like the NBA, would allow for teams to really take chances on players who have loads of potential.

Jasmine: Any rule that would eliminate the number of reviews. It’s gotten out of hand.

4. What cities do you think the league should expand to?

Alex: Well, let’s first hear from honorary High Post Hoops contributor (and, maybe just a bit more importantly, Los Angeles Sparks head coach) Brian Agler:

Columbus, Ohio
— Brian Agler (@brian_agler) May 22, 2018

My take: San Francisco really feels like it’s a matter of when, not if, and Sacramento’s ownership had been making noise when it was opening its new arena. Why not bring both into the league at the same time? It’s about 85 miles from door-to-door from new arena to new arena and could be a premier rivalry over time.

Howard: Again, the ownership details are most important, but Bay Area and Portland are my two biggest on the wishlist. Also, sure hope the NY franchise ends up in Brooklyn playing at Barclays.

Erica: I’d love to see Houston or Sacramento get a team again. As far as a new city, I wonder if WBB would do well in Boston?

Blake: I think San Francisco is a no-brainer. Toronto and Louisville are two other cities that come immediately to mind

Arielle: It wouldn’t hurt to bring a team back to Houston because there’s already strong legacy there. I’d like to see another team in the South. Perhaps in North Carolina or Florida?

Ben: Portland and San Francisco.

Jasmine: Being from Texas I would love to see a team back in Houston. I also think Charlotte would be another great opportunity to put a team back in its original city. I also think the Bay Area could use a team considering that they’ve shown interest. The problem I think the Bay Area team will have is if they’re terrible team they’ll have the same problems the San Antonio Stars did as far as a fan base.