Kevin Durant’s Push for a WNBA Team in Austin Faces Stiff Competition from Cleveland’s Record-Breaking Bid
Kevin Durant, former Texas Longhorn and NBA superstar, has been vocal about his desire to bring a WNBA franchise to Austin. He believes the city has the passion and infrastructure to support a professional women’s basketball team. “It’s a basketball city,” Durant told KVUE’s Cory Mose. Given the WNBA’s recent growth, particularly after the 2024 rookie class, investing in the league now could be a smart financial move. However, Durant isn’t the only one eyeing the opportunity.
WNBA Expansion Plans Intensify
The WNBA recently added the Golden State Valkyries as its 13th team, with Portland and Toronto set to join by 2026. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has announced plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028, making the final available spot highly coveted. Cities such as Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland, and Houston are aggressively competing for a franchise.
Asked Kevin Durant about why Austin deserves a WNBA team…
“Our women’s coach now is one of the greatest, we got a great young talent in Madi [Booker] out here. All down the line I just think this city is primed for basketball, especially women’s basketball at the highest level… pic.twitter.com/7WG6rNApvH
— Cory Mose (@Cory_Mose) February 19, 2025
Cleveland, in particular, has emerged as a formidable contender. The Rock Entertainment Group, led by Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, has submitted a record-breaking $250 million bid, the highest in WNBA history. Reports suggest there’s a 90% likelihood that Cleveland will be awarded a team, which would play at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cavaliers.
Durant Remains Hopeful for Austin
Despite the competition, Durant remains committed to his vision for Austin. “I don’t think we’ll stop trying to bring that here,” he said. “We’ll have to see how it goes in the future, but I have hope that there will be a professional basketball team here at some point.”
Austin has strong credentials for a WNBA team. The Moody Center, which hosts Texas Athletics and an annual NBA showcase, has received praise from league officials. The Texas Longhorns’ women’s basketball team, led by Madison Booker, has also drawn impressive national attention, with millions of viewers tuning in for marquee matchups.
Durant, along with partners Marc Lasry (former Milwaukee Bucks owner), Jenny Just, and Fran Harris, submitted their official bid in January. However, with Cleveland’s massive financial offer setting a new standard, Austin’s group may need to increase its investment significantly to stay competitive.
A Future Beyond the WNBA?
If Austin fails to secure a WNBA team in this expansion cycle, there may still be future opportunities. Commissioner Engelbert has emphasized that expansion is a long-term priority, meaning additional teams could be introduced later. Furthermore, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has hinted at possible NBA expansion within the next decade, potentially giving Austin a chance to land a men’s team.
With Cleveland seemingly in the driver’s seat for the next WNBA franchise, Durant’s dream faces an uphill battle. However, as the final decision nears, there’s still a glimmer of hope that Austin could emerge victorious. The question remains: will Durant and his team be willing to match Cleveland’s historic bid to bring the WNBA to Texas?