Have you ever wondered how the WNBA evolved from its inaugural eight teams to the dynamic dozen we cheer for today? Or perhaps you’re curious about what the future holds for this electrifying league.
Key takeaways:
- There are 12 teams in the WNBA in 2024.
- There were 8 WNBA teams in the league’s inaugural season in 1997.
- The league will expand to at least 13 teams by 2025.
Born in 1996, the WNBA started with eight teams across the United States. Fast forward to today, and the league now has 12 active teams. We’ve seen teams come and go, each adding a new chapter to the league’s story.
As the 2023 season comes to an end, the WNBA is on the verge of growing again. This article explores the current number of WNBA teams as of 2023, dives into the rich history of WNBA teams that have defined the league, and explores the future and anticipated team expansions.
If you’re wondering, “How many WNBA teams are there in 2024?” and “Are more teams being added?” – consider this your comprehensive WNBA guide, offering insights and answers to satisfy your curiosity.
How Many Active WNBA Teams Are There in 2024?
Today, the WNBA has had 12 teams since 2010 – six in each conference. The league will expand to 13 teams in 2025 with the arrival of San Francisco Bay Area expansion team.
The WNBA’s teams are divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. Here is a list of WNBA teams:
| EASTERN CONFERENCE | WESTERN CONFERENCE |
| Atlanta Dream | Dallas Wings |
| Chicago Sky | Las Vegas Aces |
| Connecticut Sun | Los Angeles Sparks |
| Indiana Fever | Minnesota Lynx |
| New York Liberty | Phoenix Mercury |
| Washington Mystics | Seattle Storm |
Under the current WNBA playoff format, the league’s top eight teams qualify for the postseason. Regardless of their conference, the teams are seeded from one to eight based on their regular season record.
Five of the league’s current 12 teams have direct NBA counterparts. Our guide to WNBA teams by state provides insight into where each of the 12 teams are located in the United States.
Learn more: How long is the WNBA season?
Spotlight on the Teams of 2024
Eastern Conference
1. Atlanta Dream
- Founded: 2008
- Achievements: Made it to the WNBA Finals three times.
- Notable Current Players: WNBA Rookie of the Year Rhyne Howard and Women’s 3×3 basketball gold medalist Allisha Gray.
2. Chicago Sky
- Founded: 2006
- Achievements: Won its first WNBA Championship in 2021.
- Notable Current Players: WNBA Finals MVP Kahleah Copper and Marina Mabrey, who holds the franchise record with the most three-point shots in a single season.
3. Connecticut Sun
- Founded: 1999 (originally the Orlando Miracle)
- Achievements: Made it to the WNBA Finals four times.
- Notable Current Players: Triple-double leader Alyssa Thomas and DeWanna Bonner, one of the few players to play in 80 or more WNBA Playoffs games.
4. Indiana Fever
- Founded: 2000
- Achievements: Won a WNBA Championship in 2012.
- Notable Current Players: 2023 WNBA Rookie of the Year Aliyah Boston and All-Star guard Kelsey Mitchell.
5. New York Liberty
- Founded: 1997
- Achievements: Made it to the WNBA Finals four times.
- Notable Current Players: Two-time WNBA MVP Breanna Stewart and All-Star Sabrina Ionescu. Also, Han Xu is a 6’11” forward from China and the tallest WNBA player.
6. Washington Mystics
- Founded: 1998
- Achievements: Won a WNBA Championship in 2019.
- Notable Current Players: Two-time WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne and defensive specialist Brittney Sykes.
Western Conference
7. Dallas Wings
- Founded: 2016 (relocated from Tulsa in 2016)
- Achievements: Won three WNBA Championships (2003, 2006, and 2008).
- Notable Current Players: WNBA scoring champion Arike Ogunbowale and 2023 WNBA Most Improved Player Satou Sabally. Also, Crystal Dangerfield, who is 5’5” and the shortest WNBA player in the league right now.
8. Las Vegas Aces
- Founded: 2018 (relocated from San Antonio in 2018)
- Achievements: WNBA Champions in 2022.
- Notable Current Players: WNBA MVP and two-time Defensive Player of the Year, A’ja Wilson (see our list of best A’ja Wilson shirts), and All-Star Kelsey Plum.
9. Los Angeles Sparks
- Founded: 1997
- Achievements: Three-time WNBA Champions (2001, 2002, and 2016).
- Notable Current Players: WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike and two-time season steals leader Jordin Canada.
10. Minnesota Lynx
- Founded: 1999
- Achievements: Four-time WNBA Champions (2011, 2013, 2015, 2017).
- Notable Current Players: All-stars Napheesa Collier and Kayla McBride. Plus, 2023 All-Rookie Team member Diamond Miller.
11. Phoenix Mercury
- Founded: 1997
- Achievements: Won three WNBA Championships (2007, 2009, 2014)
- Notable Current Players: Diana Taurasi, the league’s all-time scorer leader, and who many answer when asked, “Who is the WNBA logo?” Also, Brittney Griner, the league leader in WNBA dunks.
12. Seattle Storm
- Founded: 2000
- Achievements: Won four WNBA Championships (2004, 2010, 2018, 2020)
- Notable Current Players: All-Star and highest paid WNBA player leader Jewell Loyd and All-Star and rebound leader Ezi Magbegor.
Learn more: How much do WNBA players make?
The History of WNBA Teams
The story of WNBA teams is one of resilience and growth, as more teams have come than have gone throughout the league’s history.
Let’s step back in time and relive the evolution, celebrating the teams that have graced the courts and shaped the league’s team makeup.
Overall, there have been a total of 18 franchises in WNBA history. The just-announced San Francisco expansion team will become the 19th. Here, we unravel the dance of teams entering and exiting the WNBA, offering insights about “how many WNBA teams are there” at different points in history.
Here is a complete list of WNBA teams throughout the league’s entire history:
| TEAM | YEARS ACTIVE |
| Atlanta Dream | 2008 – Present |
| Charlotte Sting | 1997 – 2006 |
| Chicago Sky | 2006 – Present |
| Cleveland Rockers | 1997 – 2003 |
| Connecticut Sun (formerly Orlando Miracle) | 1999 – Present |
| Dallas Wings (formerly Detroit Shock and Tulsa Shock) | 1998 – Present |
| Golden State [TBD] | Beginning play in 2025 |
| Houston Comets | 1997 – 2008 |
| Indiana Fever | 2000 – Present |
| Las Vegas Aces (formerly Utah Starzz and San Antonio Silver Stars/Stars) | 1997 – Present |
| Los Angeles Sparks | 1997 – Present |
| Miami Sol | 2000 – 2002 |
| Minnesota Lynx | 1999 – Present |
| New York Liberty | 1997 – Present |
| Phoenix Mercury | 1997 – Present |
| Portland Fire | 2000 – 2002 |
| Sacramento Monarchs | 1997 – 2009 |
| Seattle Storm | 2000 – Present |
| Washington Mystics | 1998 – Present |
1996 – The Dawn of the WNBA’s Legacy
In 1996, the NBA Board of Governors pulled the trigger, and the WNBA was born. The league launched with eight teams:
- Charlotte Sting, Cleveland Rockers, Houston Comets, and New York Liberty in the Eastern Conference
- Los Angeles Sparks, Phoenix Mercury, Sacramento Monarchs, and Utah Starzz in the Western Conference.
Only four of these original teams remain in 2023: Las Vegas Aces (formerly the Utah Starzz), Los Angeles Sparks, New York Liberty, and Phoenix Mercury.
1998-2000 – A Leap Forward – the WNBA’s Rapid Expansion
In two years, the league added eight new teams, bringing the total count up to 16 teams.
- In 1998, the league added the Washington Mystics and Detroit Shock.
- The year 1999 saw the arrival of the Orlando Miracle and Minnesota Lynx.
- Then, in 2000, four more teams were added to the league – the Indiana Fever, Miami Sol, Portland Fire, and Seattle Storm.
2002-2003 – A Time of Change – Welcoming the Sun, Bidding Farewell to Icons
The league experienced its first team relocations and foldings in 2002.
- In 2002, the Orlando Miracle packed their bags and became the Connecticut Sun. It became the first franchise not backed by an NBA counterpart, and the only franchise owned by a Native American tribe.
- Also, in 2002, the Utah Starzz was sold and relocated to San Antonio, becoming the San Antonio Silver Stars (the team dropped the Silver and became the Stars in 2014).
- Two teams folded in 2002 after three seasons in the league – the Miami Sol and Portland Fire. After the 2023 season, the Cleveland Rockers folded.
As the league started its 2003 season, its team count was 14.
2006-2009 – A Roller Coaster of Growth and Retreat
The league saw several teams come and go between 2006 and 2009.
- The windy City got its own squad as the Chicago Sky entered the scene before the 2006 season.
- The Charlotte Sting announced it would fold ahead of the 2007 season.
- The WNBA awarded an expansion franchise to Atlanta in 2007, setting the stage for the Atlanta Dream to compete in 2008.
- The Houston Comets, one of the league’s original franchises and a team with the most WNBA championships, ceased operations in 2008.
- The Sacramento Monarchs, also among the league’s original eight teams, folded in 2009.
2010-2016 – The Shock’s Journey from Detroit to Dallas
Over a six-year span, the Detroit Shock relocated twice and became a brand-new franchise.
- In 2010, the Detroit Shock relocated and rebranded as the Tulsa Shock.
- In 2016, the Shock once again made a move, waving goodbye to Tulsa and heading to Dallas, transforming into the Dallas Wings.
2018 – Bright Lights and Big Plays – The Arrival of the Las Vegas Aces
Ahead of the 2018 season, the San Antonio Stars relocated to become the Las Vegas Aces.
2023 – The WNBA Today – A Tapestry of Triumph
As of the league’s most recent 2023 season, there are 12 teams. There have consistently been 12 teams in the WNBA since the 2010 season.
Learn more: How many NBA teams are there?
Are They Adding More WNBA Teams?
The anticipation is palpable, and the question on every fan’s mind is – are we about to welcome new teams to the WNBA family? For those constantly asking, “How many WNBA teams are there?” – the answer might soon be more than you think. With whispers of expansion and cities abuzz, let’s explore the prospects and the potential locales.
This list of WNBA teams is about to grow. WNBA expansion isn’t a question of if, but when and where. It’s been 15 years since the league added a new team, but growth is around the corner.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said, “We need more than 12 teams,” and suggested the WNBA could add two new teams by 2025, bringing the league’s team count to 14. So, if you’re wondering, “How many WNBA teams are there going to be?” – well, the landscape is about to get even more exciting.
Confirmed Expansion
In October 2023, the WNBA announced it was expanding in 2025 by adding a team in the San Francisco Bay Area. The new franchise is owned by the Golden State Warriors, and they will announce their official name in the coming months. The addition of the team will bring the league’s number of teams total to 13.
Potential Further Expansion
Commissioner Engelbert confirmed at the press conference announcing the new Golden State WNBA franchise that the league is hoping to add a second expansion team for the 2025 season.
Other expansion possibilities include Nashville, Toronto, Austin, Denver, Charlotte, Philadelphia, and Portland. With the Bay Area a lock-in, it’s safe to assume the second location would be somewhere on the Eastern side of the country to keep the conferences equal.
As a WNBA fan, I’m here for it. Some players, like Las Vegas Aces guard Kelsey Plum, would prefer the WNBA focus on current issues like travel and salary benefits for the league’s current players before adding new teams. But new teams mean more exposure for the league, a new pool of fans, and a refreshed answer to “How many WNBA teams are there?”
