Pittsburgh's Bid for a WNBA Team Falls Short Amid Expansion Efforts
Pittsburgh's aspirations for a WNBA franchise faced disappointment as the league announced its latest expansion decisions. The city had invested tens of thousands of dollars into a feasibility study aimed at assessing the viability of a women's basketball team in the region.
In the fall of 2023, the Sports and Exhibition Authority (SEA) initiated a comprehensive review of the potential for a WNBA team. By spring 2023, the SEA had allocated $90,000 for this study. The findings, which emerged just before the year's end, indicated a strong interest in women's sports within the community, according to Aaron Waller, the authority's executive director.
"Some of our TV ratings in this market surpassed those of other markets of similar size," Waller noted, highlighting the region's enthusiasm for women's athletics.
The study included a web-based survey that garnered responses from hundreds of participants, alongside focus group discussions. Additionally, interviews with local corporations revealed a willingness to support a professional team. An ownership group was formed and engaged with the WNBA during this expansion phase.
"They prefer to remain anonymous for now, but we definitely had an ownership group that participated in this process," Waller confirmed.
Notably, Pittsburgh's hosting of 2024 NCAA Tournament games coincided with the SEA's outreach to the WNBA, showcasing the city's passion for basketball. Waller remarked on the vibrant atmosphere during these events, stating, "PPG Paints and Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, we showed well for that event. We probably had the most excited crowd out of that first round."
Currently, the feasibility study remains confidential due to sensitive information regarding Pittsburgh's existing sports franchises. With the WNBA aiming to expand to 20 teams, the SEA plans to leverage this study in future discussions.
"If they are not looking to expand again in the near future, then we will post those results," Waller added, indicating a potential future release of the findings.
Additionally, reports suggest that the owners of the Connecticut Sun are considering relocating or selling the team, keeping Pittsburgh as a viable option for league expansion.
With a commitment to covering local stories, Chris has been an award-winning reporter since joining KDKA in May 2019 and continues to share narratives from his hometown.
