WNBA's Historic Expansion: Welcome Toronto and Portland!

The WNBA's 30th season launches with expansion teams in Toronto and Portland. New contenders emerge as established teams like the New York Liberty and Las Vegas Aces solidify their title aspirations. A new collective bargaining agreement provides stability as the league grows, with broader interest in women's basketball increasing.

The 30th season of the WNBA begins Friday with the addition of expansion teams in Toronto and Portland. This growth comes as a new collective bargaining agreement provides stability, and prominent teams like the New York Liberty, Las Vegas Aces, and Indiana Fever lead the championship conversation.

The Liberty have emerged as title favorites after adding key player Satou Sabally, enhancing their already strong lineup featuring Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu, and Jonquel Jones. Last season's champion, the Aces, with star A'ja Wilson, maintain their formidable standing, while the Fever, inspired by Caitlin Clark’s arrival, rise as new contenders.

The league now hosts 15 teams with a 44-game schedule. The Fever’s ascent, alongside the debut of the Toronto Tempo and the return of the Portland Fire, signifies a thriving WNBA poised to capture the growing interest in women's basketball worldwide.