Oakland’s Hopes for WNBA Team Still Alive, According to African American Sports and Entertainment Group
Oakland’s hopes for a WNBA team may not be dead just yet. The African American Sports and Entertainment Group (AASEG) has announced that the city is still under consideration by the WNBA, and the group has been encouraged to continue its efforts.
In a meeting with WNBA officials, AASEG was informed that Oakland would be eligible for the next round of expansion, which is set to begin in 2026. This news comes after the Warriors were granted an expansion team in San Francisco, leaving many in Oakland disappointed. However, it seems that there is still a chance for the city to have its own WNBA franchise.
AASEG has already secured the Oakland Arena for home games and was in the process of submitting its bid to the league when news broke about the Warriors’ expansion team. Despite this setback, the group remained determined and continued its efforts. Now, with the WNBA’s support, AASEG can move forward with confidence.
The WNBA’s decision to consider Oakland for expansion suggests that the league believes the Bay Area could support two teams. Currently, the Bay Area is a two-team market for the NFL and Major League Baseball, but it has never had two basketball teams. This potential expansion could bring even more excitement and opportunities for basketball fans in the region.
While the WNBA did not immediately respond to a request for comment, AASEG took to Twitter to share the news with their followers. In a tweet, they announced that the league has approved Oakland to continue its pursuit of a WNBA expansion team. This confirmation is a significant step forward for AASEG and the city of Oakland.
If Oakland is successful in securing a WNBA franchise, it would join the Warriors as another professional basketball team in the Bay Area. The Warriors have already established themselves as “the Bay’s team” in the NBA and have plans to do the same with their WNBA squad. This branding strategy aims to create a strong connection between the teams and the local community.
In addition to the Warriors, another city rumored to be in consideration for a WNBA expansion team is Portland. The league is expecting to add two new franchises by 2025, and both Oakland and Portland are strong contenders. This expansion would not only bring more basketball to these cities but also increase the overall popularity and visibility of the WNBA.
The AASEG’s efforts to bring a WNBA team to Oakland have been met with enthusiasm and support from the local community. Many fans are excited about the possibility of having a professional women’s basketball team in their city and are eager to show their support. The Oakland Arena, which has been secured for home games, is expected to be filled with passionate fans cheering on their team.
While there is still a long way to go before Oakland can celebrate the arrival of a WNBA team, the recent developments are promising. The city’s inclusion in the next round of expansion is a positive sign, and AASEG’s dedication and determination have not gone unnoticed. With continued efforts and support from the community, Oakland may soon have its own WNBA franchise.
In conclusion, Oakland’s hopes for a WNBA team are still alive. The African American Sports and Entertainment Group has been informed by the WNBA that the city is under consideration for the next round of expansion. With the support of the league, AASEG can continue its efforts to bring a WNBA franchise to Oakland. This potential expansion would make the Bay Area a two-team market for basketball and provide more opportunities for fans in the region. While there is still work to be done, this news is a step in the right direction for Oakland’s WNBA dreams.