WNBA set to make history with expansion to 18 teams, adding franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has announced a significant expansion plan to grow the league from 12 to 18 teams, adding new franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This expansion, pending approval from both the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors, represents the largest increase in the league's history and reflects the WNBA’s strong commitment to cultivating the sport and increasing its reach. The new teams will join the league in a staggered timeline: Cleveland is set to begin play in 2028, followed by Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030. This phased approach aims to ensure sustainable growth, a priority emphasized by WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. The addition of these clubs will bring the WNBA to its highest number of active franchises, surpassing the previous peak of 16 teams reached in the early 2000s. Each new franchise comes with a record expansion fee of $250 million, a substantial increase compared to previous expansions such as Golden State’s entry in 2023. These fees underscore the increased valuation and demand for women’s professional basketball. Moreover, all three teams will be supported by NBA ownership groups, facilitating strong operational infrastructure and investment in facilities, which is expected to enhance player development and fan engagement. This expansion not only reflects the growing popularity and commercial viability of women's basketball but also highlights the sport's momentum and the strategic efforts to capitalize on its rising visibility. Philadelphia, notably, is welcoming a WNBA team for the first time, while Cleveland and Detroit rejoin the league after having had teams in the past. This historic move signals a new era of growth and opportunity in women’s professional basketball. <br /> <br /> The WNBA’s trajectory since its launch in 1997 has been marked by expansions, contractions, and a steady focus on sustainable progress. Having operated with 12 teams since 2010, the league now looks poised for a new phase of expansion that aligns with heightened public interest and investment, supporting its vision of empowering women in sports and reaching a broader audience nationally.

Philadelphia Set to Join WNBA in 2030 as League Expands to 18 Teams: Key Details to Know

The city of Philadelphia, renowned as the hometown of legendary women's basketball coach Dawn Staley, is set to receive a WNBA expansion team, the league announced on Monday, June 30. Philadelphia will join Cleveland and Detroit as the newest cities welcomed into the league, increasing the total number of WNBA teams to 18 over the next several years. The expansion teams are planned to begin play as follows: Cleveland in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, pending approval from NBA and WNBA governing bodies.<br /> <br /> Philadelphia's new franchise will be owned and operated by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, with Comcast holding a minority stake. This move reflects the city's rich basketball tradition and strong sports passion, factors that WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted as key reasons for Philadelphia's selection. The expansion represents a significant investment in the league, with each new team paying a $250 million expansion fee and committing to substantial infrastructure improvements such as practice facilities.<br /> <br /> Dawn Staley, a South Carolina women's basketball coaching icon born in Philadelphia, has publicly expressed her desire to be a WNBA franchise owner rather than a coach for the new Philadelphia team. While Staley has achieved tremendous success—including multiple NCAA championships—she has indicated her focus remains on college basketball, though ownership in the professional league remains a long-term goal.<br /> <br /> Philadelphia is a major sports market yet has lacked a WNBA team until now, making this expansion a historic milestone. The move comes amid growing nationwide demand for women's basketball and rising viewership, signaling a bright future for the sport in Philadelphia and across the expanding WNBA landscape.

Rob McElhenney Officially Files to Legally Change His Name to Rob Mac to Simplify Global Business and Branding

Rob McElhenney, star of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" and co-owner of Wrexham A.F.C., has filed legal documents to shorten his surname, opting to be known simply as "Rob Mac." This significant change goes beyond a mere stage name alteration; McElhenney is seeking to make "Rob Mac" his official name in the eyes of the law. The paperwork was signed recently in Los Angeles, marking the start of the formal process. The main reason behind this change stems from the challenges posed by his original surname, McElhenney, especially in international business dealings. As an international businessman who co-owns Wrexham A.F.C. alongside Ryan Reynolds and invests in several South American soccer teams through his company More Better Industries, McElhenney found his surname to be confusing and difficult to pronounce outside English-speaking markets. He has already been using "Rob Mac" in his business affairs to simplify interactions and communication abroad. While the move may be practical, it has elicited some mixed feelings at home. McElhenney’s wife, actress Kaitlin Olson, revealed that their children are not particularly enthusiastic about the change since they still carry the McElhenney surname. Despite this, it appears that McElhenney is committed to having both his personal and professional identity reflect the shorter, more manageable name going forward. This name change distinguishes McElhenney from other celebrity name adjustments, as it is aimed primarily at improving ease of use in his expanding global ventures rather than for artistic or personal rebranding reasons. The actor’s transition to "Rob Mac" signals a new chapter in his multifaceted career as an entertainer and businessman.

Kate Hudson Opens Up About Growing Up Amid Family Challenges with Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson — and Her Mom’s Candid Reaction

Kate Hudson recently opened up about the challenges she faced growing up as the daughter of famous parents Goldie Hawn and Bill Hudson. As a teenager, Hudson found herself in a difficult position, torn between the complexities of her parents' split and her own aspirations. Her mother, Goldie Hawn, and father, Bill Hudson, divorced when Kate was young, and she was primarily raised by Goldie and her longtime partner Kurt Russell. This blended family dynamic was complex, with Kate and her brother Oliver largely estranged from their father, Bill, who was not a consistent parental figure after the separation. Kate revealed that she even considered seeking emancipation from her mother as a teenager to advance her acting career independently. She was eager to establish herself on her own terms and avoid being defined solely by her famous parents. At one point, she rejected an offer to star in a film produced by Kurt Russell to avoid being seen as riding on her parents' coattails. Despite the struggles, Kate has maintained a close and supportive relationship with her mother Goldie, who encouraged her to embrace their connection rather than shy away from it. Regarding her father, Kate has expressed forgiveness for the past difficulties and currently holds no expectations but wishes for his happiness. In recent years, she has shown openness to reconnecting with him and her half-siblings, hoping to mend those fractured relationships. Her journey reflects both the privileges and pressures of growing up in a high-profile family and the personal strength it takes to carve out one’s own identity.

Brad Pitt’s F1 Accelerates to Apple’s Biggest Box Office Win With $55.6 Million Debut While M3GAN 2.0 Struggles at $10 Million

It’s lights out and away we go at the box office as "F1," a big-budget racing drama starring Brad Pitt, impressively revs to $55.6 million in its domestic opening weekend. This strong debut landed right in the middle of industry expectations, which ranged from $50 million to $60 million. The film’s success is notable given that it is an adult-oriented original tentpole, not tied to any existing franchise, a rarity in today's IP-driven film market. Directed by Joseph Kosinski, known for "Top Gun: Maverick," and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, the film benefits from the global appeal of Formula One racing. It also earned an “A” grade on CinemaScore exit polls and received great reviews, boosting its positive word-of-mouth. Internationally, "F1" added around $88 million, bringing its worldwide total to a strong start. However, with a substantial reported production budget exceeding $200 million, plus marketing costs, the movie will need continued box office momentum to reach profitability. "F1" marks a milestone for Apple Studios, becoming its first major box office hit. Before this, Apple’s theatrical releases were mostly critically acclaimed but modest earners. The film not only dethroned Universal’s "How to Train Your Dragon" at the domestic box office but also set a record for Apple’s biggest opening, surpassing the previous record held by Martin Scorsese’s "Killers of the Flower Moon." Brad Pitt’s portrayal of fictional F1 driver Sonny Hayes, combined with realistic racing sequences and a kinetic directing style, has been widely praised by audiences and critics alike, signaling a significant win for both the actor and Apple’s expanding film division. <br /> <br /> Overall, "F1" delivers a summer box office win that blends thrilling sports action with star power and critical acclaim, setting the stage for a successful theatrical and streaming run.

Hollywood’s AI Video Revolution Faces Key Challenges in Prompting and Creativity

Mooser acknowledged that concerns about generative AI played a significant role in triggering Hollywood's double strike in 2023. The entertainment industry faced a major labor disruption when key unions, including SAG-AFTRA and the Writers Guild of America, went on strike over disputes that prominently featured the use of AI technology. Unions worried about AI replicating actors' likenesses and writing scripts autonomously, which threatened jobs and creative ownership within the industry. These issues raised urgent questions about compensation, job security, and the ethical use of AI in creative work. Despite these challenges, Mooser remains optimistic about the future for many industry workers. He believes that those who are open to embracing generative AI can successfully transition laterally into new careers built around this technology. This perspective highlights a potential path forward where AI is not seen solely as a threat but as a tool that can augment human creativity and labor. The precedent set by the 2023 strikes, including contract provisions that protect artists' rights and require compensation when AI is used, suggests that careful regulation and partnership with AI technology could create new opportunities rather than simply displacing workers. As Hollywood continues to grapple with rapid AI advancements, the experience of the 2023 strikes serves as a crucial reference point. Industry professionals and unions are now more aware of the need to collaborate on AI’s development and implementation to ensure it supports sustainable careers and respects creative contributions. Mooser’s view encourages a proactive embrace of AI’s possibilities, envisioning a future where technological innovation and human craft coexist productively. <br /> <br /> This outlook underscores the ongoing transformation within Hollywood, where adaptation to AI will be critical for the workforce’s resilience and growth.