The WNBA is continuing to expand. The Golden State Valkyries are set to join the WNBA in 2025, as their expansion draft is right around the corner. Additionally, the league is set to have Toronto and Portland teams join the league within the next few years as well. Could Kansas City become a potential landing destination for a team, though? According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the ownership of the NWSL's KC Current is interested in bringing a WNBA team to Kansas City.
Patrick and Brittany Mahomes are part of the ownership group. There is a chance that the Mahomes family could own a part of a WNBA team if expansion does end up coming to Kansas City.
Mahomes is also a co-owner of the Kansas City Royals and Sporting Kansas City, according to Schefter. The Chiefs quarterback has already displayed an interest in ownership despite still being an active NFL player. Many players wait until retirement to begin the pursuit of owning a team, but Mahomes is already involved in the process.
The WNBA saw immense growth in 2024. It shattered both viewership and attendance records throughout the season. There are many emerging stars in the game which has helped with the overall interest. Now is a tremendous time for the WNBA to be aggressive when it comes to expansion.
In 2024, the league was only at 12 teams. With three new teams already set to join the WNBA soon, the league will be at 15 teams within the next few years. They surely want an even number, though, so it would not be surprising to see a 16th team announced sooner rather than later.
What cities could receive WNBA expansion teams next?
There are plenty of cities that make sense as landing destinations for potential expansion teams. Miami, Orlando, Houston, Nashville and Philadelphia are just a few of the possibilities. Of course, with Mahomes involved in a potential WNBA expansion pursuit perhaps Kansas City will emerge as a serious contender.
16 teams appears to be the next goal. There could even be more teams added at some point down the road. It is difficult to predict when the WNBA will announce its plans for further expansion as it is currently focused on the aforementioned three cities already set to get a team.
The expansion of the WNBA will be something to monitor over the next few years, however.