WNBA Expansion and Ownership Ties
The recent expansion selections made by the WNBA have reignited discussions about how crucial NBA ownership ties are for securing a franchise. With the addition of teams in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, all backed by NBA stakeholders, the group advocating for a WNBA presence in Austin feels that their bid would have been considerably bolstered if they had similar backing from NBA owners.
Competitive Edge of NBA Owners
The WNBA’s decision came after reviewing 11 proposals; the winning bids were notably supported by individuals already involved with NBA franchises. This reliance on the credibility of established NBA owners is something that Fran Harris, a former WNBA player and one of the proponents for Austin’s bid, highlighted during her conversation with Sportico. She noted the competitive edge that existing NBA owners have, stating:
“It’s hard to tell a billionaire with a thriving NBA operation that they can’t also have a W team.”
Among the notable figures backing Austin’s proposal were NBA star Kevin Durant, former Bucks owner Marc Lasry, and Jenny Just of PEAK6, who all lack direct control over an NBA franchise. While the league’s preference seemed to lean towards ownership links, some sources indicated that having NBA affiliations was not a strict requirement for a successful bid.
Proposal Outcomes and Future Prospects
Out of the eight proposals turned down, only two—those from Houston and Charlotte—boasted NBA ownership support, while six others, including Austin, missed this crucial connection. Even though cities like Miami and Denver have their own NBA teams, their ownership did not engage with the WNBA selection process.
Harris voiced her prediction that the arrival of NBA-backed bidders would pose the most significant competition for Austin, underscoring the credibility they lend to any franchise proposal. Yet, she remained optimistic about the competitiveness of Austin’s bid compared to the others, stating:
“While it’s tough to see NBA connections as an advantage, I find solace in knowing we weren’t outbid by another independent city.”
Commitment to Women’s Sports
Bill Haslam, who spearheaded the Nashville bid and has connections through his brother, NFL team owner Jimmy Haslam, acknowledged the WNBA’s decision while reiterating his commitment to promoting women’s sports in Nashville. He expressed understanding towards the league’s choice to favor NBA ownership groups in its expansion effort, indicating his group would continue to support local sports enthusiasts.
Future Teams and Venues
Cathy Engelbert, the WNBA Commissioner, acknowledged that some expansions, including the Toronto Tempo and Portland team set for 2026, are backed by owners whose affiliations with NBA teams vary widely. For instance, Kilmer Sports Ventures, which owns the Tempo, has Larry Tanenbaum—who is closely tied with the Toronto Raptors—at its helm, while the ownership of the Portland team holds a stake in the Sacramento Kings.
As for potential arenas, the Austin group had its sights on the Moody Center, a new venue that can accommodate nearly 11,000 attendees for basketball. The facility, located on the University of Texas campus, has the capacity to expand significantly for other events. Harris emphasized the league’s interest in cities with a rich history of supporting women’s basketball, which she believes Austin displays.
Determination for Austin’s Future
Despite setbacks, Harris remains determined and hopeful about the future of a WNBA franchise in Austin. She reaffirmed her belief in the city’s potential, saying:
“I do believe Austin deserves a spot. We’ve expressed this commitment to both the WNBA and the NBA. I see potential openings for independent bids, and I hope to capitalize on that moving forward.”
