Charlotte could soon once again host a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise. The Charlotte Hornets, backed by the NBA team’s ownership group, are actively involved in a bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to the city.
charlotte previously housed the Charlotte sting, a founding member of the WNBA, from 1997 to 2006. The Hornets, led by majority owners Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall, expressed their strong belief in the future growth of women’s basketball and highlighted the Sting’s legacy and passionate fanbase. Erica Berman, daughter of CardWorks founder Don Berman, is spearheading the bid.
Don Berman, whose family donated millions to Davidson College, owns CardWorks, a credit and payments company. Notably, CardWorks was in talks with Ally Financial, a major sponsor of women’s sports, about a potential acquisition in 2020. Erica Berman, a senior vice president at CardWorks, is also a prominent investor in Unrivaled, a professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.
The Berman family’s bid, supported by the Hornets’ ownership group, was submitted to Allen & Co., the investment bank advising the WNBA on expansion, by the January 30 deadline.
WNBA Expansion Brings New Era of Growth for Women’s Basketball
The WNBA is expanding,signaling a surge in popularity and investment in women’s basketball. the league, which kicked off its 28th season in 2024, currently has 12 teams. Though, two new franchises are set to join the competition in the coming years, marking a critically important expansion.
The Golden State Valkyries, based in San Francisco, join the league in 2024, followed by teams based in Portland and Toronto in 2026.This expansion comes amid a wave of enthusiasm for women’s basketball, driven by increased viewership, media coverage, and the success of national teams.
Increased demand for WNBA franchises has sparked bidding wars in several cities. Nashville, Tennessee, and Detroit are leading the charge, making public announcements about their bids to welcome new WNBA teams.
Charlotte Poised for WNBA Return After Years of Absence
Charlotte, North Carolina, could be welcoming back women’s professional basketball sooner than anticipated. A WNBA expansion team is planned for the city, setting the stage for a monumental return after a 20-year hiatus.
The announcement comes after a surge in interest surrounding women’s basketball. Last week, the WNBA filed new trademark applications for five defunct franchises, including the former Charlotte Sting. This move coincided with the city hosting the second consecutive Ally Tip-Off at the Spectrum Center, drawing more than 15,000 fans for a matchup between the university of South Carolina and N.C. State.
WNBA legend dawn Staley, who played for the Charlotte Sting and won a national championship with the South Carolina Gamecocks, expressed her belief that Charlotte is ready to embrace the WNBA. “This city was incredibly supportive,” Staley reminisced about her time with the Sting, which made it to the WNBA finals in 2001. “They know and love the game, and I feel like they’re ready for the WNBA to come back.”
A group of investors led by businessman Gabe Plotkin and physician Daniel Sundheim has already made a significant commitment. They pledged $115 million to secure a WNBA expansion team.
The imminent return of the WNBA to Charlotte promises an exciting chapter in the city’s sports landscape, capitalizing on growing interest and the city’s history of strong fan support for women’s basketball.
Charlotte Scores Big with Women’s Basketball growth
The Queen City is proving itself a hotbed for women’s basketball, with major announcements solidifying charlotte’s standing as a talent hub for the sport.
Charlotte’s recent success hosted the NCAA Women’s Final Four in 2024 earned widespread praise,further cementing its ability to draw large crowds and excitement for women’s basketball. South Carolina coach Dawn Staley lauded the city as ”a prime spot” for women’s basketball events, citing the passionate fans and enthusiastic support.
This tournament success will reverberate throughout the city’s sporting landscape.The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) confirmed that Charlotte will host its women’s basketball tournament in 2027, ensuring continued high-level competition and visibility for women’s basketball in the region.
Adding to the excitement, a new professional women’s basketball league called Upshot announced a Charlotte team for 2026.This team, which will play at the 8,600-seat Bojangles Coliseum, will serve as a critical developmental stepping stone for women aspiring to play at the highest level. Organizations involved in Upshot, including legends Cheryl Miller and Ann Meyers Drysdale, emphasize the league’s commitment to player progress and nurturing future WNBA stars.
Charlotte’s commitment to growing women’s basketball will not only benefit the city, but also help to broaden the sport’s appeal and provide opportunities for aspiring female athletes.
WNBA Sees Historic Growth in viewership and Brand recognition
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is experiencing a surge in popularity, becoming the fastest-growing professional sports brand in 2024, according to Forbes. This growth is reflected in record-breaking viewership numbers.Game 5 of the 2024 WNBA Finals between the New York Liberty and Minnesota Lynx captivated a massive audience, drawing in 3.3 million viewers – the highest viewership for a WNBA Finals game in 25 years. This impressive figure highlights the increasing interest and support for women’s basketball.
* What other cities are bidding to host a WNBA team?
WNBA expansion: Your Questions Answered
The WNBA is on the rise, with Charlotte poised to welcome back a team after a 20-year hiatus. here are some answers to your burning questions about this exciting development:
Q: When will Charlotte have a WNBA team again?
A: While a specific timeline hasn’t been announced, Charlotte’s bid was submitted by the January 30 deadline, putting them in contention for expansion teams joining the league in 2026.
Q: Who’s behind Charlotte’s bid?
A: A group led by gabe Plotkin, majority owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and physician Daniel Sundheim, pledged $115 million to secure a franchise. Erica Berman, daughter of CardWorks founder Don Berman, is also heavily involved. Don Berman’s family donated millions to Davidson College, and Erica Berman is a prominent investor in Unrivaled, a professional 3-on-3 women’s basketball league.
Q: Why is Charlotte a prime location for a WNBA team?
A: Charlotte boasts a history of supporting women’s basketball, evidenced by the keen crowds at recent events like the NCAA Women’s Final Four and the Ally Tip-Off. Dawn Staley, a WNBA legend who played for the Charlotte Sting, believes the city is ready to embrace the league’s return.
Q: What’s the meaning of the WNBA’s expansion?
A: The league’s expansion signifies a surge in popularity and investment in women’s basketball. Two new teams,the golden State Valkyries and teams based in Portland and Toronto,are joining the league in the coming years,marking a meaningful milestone.
Charlotte’s potential return to the WNBA is a testament to the growing passion for women’s basketball. Stay tuned for updates on the league’s expansion and the exciting future of women’s professional basketball!
