WNBA Expansion Bid: Austin’s Ambitious Proposal

Austin Enters the Race for WNBA Expansion

Austin, Texas, has officially submitted a bid for a WNBA expansion team, backed by a formidable group comprising Marc Lasry, former Milwaukee Bucks owner, Fran Harris, entrepreneur and former WNBA player, Jenny Just of PEAK6, and NBA star Kevin Durant. This bid is among several vying for the opportunity to join the expanding league.

Key Players in the Bid

Each member of the bidding group brings unique strengths:

• Marc Lasry: A seasoned sports executive with previous ownership experience, particularly with the Milwaukee Bucks, which saw significant growth under his leadership.
• Fran Harris: A former college and WNBA player passionate about women’s basketball and the potential for a team in Austin.
• Jenny Just: Co-founder of PEAK6, with the financial acumen and local connections necessary for a successful bid.
• Kevin Durant: An NBA All-Star with a vested interest in sports investments and ties to Texas from his college days.

Understanding the Expansion Dynamics

The WNBA aims to increase its teams to 16 by the 2028 season. Leading the expansion is the acceptance of the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, followed by the Toronto Tempo and Portland slated for 2026. Among the primary contenders alongside Austin are major cities like Detroit, Nashville, Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Houston, each backed by respective NBA franchise owners.

Austin’s Unique Advantages

Austin’s bid is strengthened by the city’s love for basketball and potential business opportunities. The investors appreciate the local commitment to women’s basketball and are planning significant infrastructure:

• A new practice facility to support the team’s development.
• Home games intended to be held at the advanced Moody Center.

Marc Lasry’s Impact and Vision

Lasry’s history in team ownership showcases his capability. His tenure with the Bucks witnessed the construction of a new practice facility and arena, an NBA championship victory, and a revitalization of Milwaukee’s downtown. Partnering with local business leaders and officials is part of his strategic approach.

Economic Factors in WNBA Investments

Investing in a WNBA team has proven lucrative, thanks in part to rising viewership and a recent TV rights deal with Disney (ABC/ESPN), Prime Video, and NBC Universal. The fee for joining this upward trend could reach as high as $200 million for expansion franchises.

Local Roots and Strategic Partnerships

Harris’s connections in Austin and her collaboration with Durant have been pivotal. Early discussions with Lasry started at a sports industry conference and have blossomed into a robust bid grounded in a shared vision for the team’s future in Austin.

Implications for the WNBA

The successful expansion into Austin would not only increase the league’s geographic diversity but also tap into a burgeoning sports market. A new team could amplify local enthusiasm for women’s basketball and further increase the WNBA’s national footprint.

The Path Forward

The WNBA is now tasked with evaluating the multiple bids and selecting a city that aligns with the league’s goals. Factors such as market size, financial backing, and community support will be critical in the decision-making process.

Conclusion

Austin’s bid for a WNBA expansion team is robust and backed by a strong consortium of investors with diverse and complementary skills. The city’s rich basketball culture, coupled with the strategic vision outlined in the bid, positions Austin as a serious contender in this highly competitive expansion race.

Source: https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/wnba/2025/02/10/wnba-expansion-austin-submits-bid-new-team/78386636007/