The Golden State Warriors are reportedly on the verge of bringing a WNBA franchise to the Bay Area, according to sources familiar with the deal. While the agreement has not been finalized, there are ongoing discussions to iron out the remaining details. If everything falls into place, the new franchise will call Chase Center home and have its headquarters in Oakland at the team’s practice facility.
An official announcement regarding the WNBA franchise could be made as early as October. This development would mark a significant milestone for Warriors owner Joe Lacob, who has long been a passionate supporter of women’s basketball in America. Lacob played a pivotal role in the establishment of the American Basketball League (ABL) back in 1996, where he owned the San Jose Lasers team featuring prominent players like Jennifer Azzi and Sheri Sam.
However, the ABL folded in December 1998, leaving a void in women’s professional basketball in the Bay Area. With the WNBA actively discussing expansion plans over the past few years, it seemed inevitable that the Warriors would be the preferred ownership group if the league decided to expand to this region. The Warriors possess the necessary financial resources, a state-of-the-art arena in Chase Center, and a strong reputation within the sports industry.
One of the key advantages of using Chase Center for the new WNBA team is that it grants the ownership group year-round control over scheduling the arena. This level of control is highly appealing and ensures that both the NBA and WNBA teams can coexist seamlessly. However, any agreement reached between the Warriors and the WNBA must still receive approval from the WNBA Board of Governors.
Joe Lacob’s desire to own a WNBA team has been evident for quite some time. The main question was whether the timing was right for the Warriors, considering their recent move to San Francisco in 2019 and the ongoing recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. However, with the Warriors winning an NBA championship in 2022 and maintaining their status as one of the most financially successful and respected sports franchises globally, the timing now seems ideal.
In conclusion, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly close to securing a WNBA franchise for the Bay Area. While the deal is not yet finalized, the team’s ownership group, led by Joe Lacob, has been actively working towards this goal. If successful, the franchise will play its games at Chase Center and have its headquarters in Oakland. This development would mark a significant moment for women’s professional basketball in the Bay Area, filling the void left by the ABL’s dissolution in 1998. With the Warriors’ resources and reputation, they are well-positioned to create a successful and thriving WNBA team.