Wed Jul 02 01:50:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the text provided:
**Summary:**
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced the addition of expansion teams in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). This will bring the league to 18 teams overall. However, Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham voiced concerns, questioning the selection of Detroit and Cleveland over other potential markets like Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City, emphasizing the importance of player excitement and fan appeal in expansion decisions. Engelbert cited high demand for WNBA franchises as the driving factor.
**News Article:**
**WNBA Expansion Sparks Debate: Cunningham Questions Choices of Cleveland, Detroit**
**INDIANAPOLIS, IN** – The WNBA is set to grow to 18 teams with the addition of franchises in Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030), Commissioner Cathy Engelbert announced this week. However, the expansion plan is already facing scrutiny, with Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham publicly questioning the selection of certain cities.
“Great demand for WNBA franchises,” Engelbert stated at a news conference, highlighting the enthusiasm for the league’s growth. Toronto and Portland are also set to join the league in 2026.
Cunningham expressed her doubts during the Fever’s shootaround on Tuesday. “You want to listen to your players, too. Where do they want to play? Where are they gonna get excited to play and draw fans?” she stated. She suggested that Miami, Nashville, and Kansas City might have been more compelling choices.
“I’m not so sure what the thought process is there, but at the end of the day, you want to make sure that you’re not expanding our league too fast…I don’t know how excited people are to be going to Detroit or [Cleveland].”
Cunningham’s comments underscore the debate surrounding the ideal locations for WNBA expansion, focusing on factors beyond market size, including player appeal, potential for fan engagement, and sustainable growth.
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