NEW YORK — The Golden State Warriors have been awarded a WNBA expansion team, set to begin play in the 2025 season. This marks the first new franchise in the league since 2008.
The new team will be owned and operated by Warriors Co-Executive Chairmen Joe Lacob and Peter Guber. The team will play its home games at Chase Center in San Francisco and will use the former Warriors’ Oakland Facility as its headquarters, which will include a top-notch practice facility.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed excitement about the expansion, highlighting the Bay Area’s passionate basketball fan base and the strong history of supporting women’s basketball. She praised Lacob and Guber’s track record with the Warriors, noting their ability to build and operate a successful organization.
The Warriors will be the sixth NBA franchise to own a WNBA team, joining the Indiana Pacers (Indiana Fever), Minnesota Timberwolves (Minnesota Lynx), Brooklyn Nets (New York Liberty), Phoenix Suns (Phoenix Mercury), and Washington Wizards (Washington Mystics).
Joe Lacob shared enthusiasm for the new venture, noting the Bay Area’s rich history in women’s basketball and expressing confidence in the timing of the expansion. He emphasized the WNBA’s growth and the Warriors’ commitment to supporting top women’s basketball talent.
The 2023 WNBA season saw record-breaking viewership, attendance, and digital engagement, reflecting the league’s ongoing growth. The expansion aligns with the WNBA’s continued transformation and success.
For more details on the Golden State’s WNBA franchise, visit WNBA’s Golden State page.
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