The WNBA has been around since the mid-90s but have only 12 teams. This came by as a huge surprise since I could not believe a professional league such as the WNBA could be so small. Although the league is small, the pool of talent is as massive as the NBA.
The small number of teams is a huge reason why the WNBA players seek other opportunities outside of the US for employment. WNBA star, Brittney Griner, is currently being illegally detained in Russia where she plays during the offseason.
Russia is currently at war with a United States’ ally in Ukraine. This is making it difficult for the US to get Griner’s release. But if the WNBA had a longer season it would produce the revenue needed for players such as Griner to not have to seek international options to play the game they love.
With that being said, recently the commissioner of the WNBA expressed that they are seeking to expand the league by two franchises in the coming years. I believe Tampa, FL would be an excellent location for a new WNBA franchise.
Tampa already holds three professional teams. The Tampa Bay Rays, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Tampa Bay Lightning. The fan base in Tampa continue to show strong support for the teams in the area.
Although the state of Florida is a tourist hub, the state does not currently have a WNBA team. The last WNBA Franchise in the state were the Orlando Miracles. The Miracles moved in 2003 to Connecticut and changed their names to the Suns.
It would be a great choice to bring the WNBA back to Florida.