The WNBA Needs an Expansion Team in New Jersey Immediately

The WNBA needs an expansion team in New Jersey—and it needs one now.

Women's basketball has entered a new era. Over the past few years, the league has experienced unprecedented growth fueled by rising television ratings, record attendance, a historic media rights deal, increased corporate sponsorship, and a new collective bargaining agreement that reflects just how far the league has come.

Players like A'ja Wilson, Breanna Stewart, Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kelsey Plum have become household names, helping usher in the next generation of women's basketball. The WNBA isn't fighting for attention anymore—it's commanding it.

So as the league continues to expand, one state continues to get overlooked.

New Jersey.

I'll be the first one to say it: the WNBA needs an expansion team in the Garden State.

Need proof?

Look no further than Olivia Miles.

And I'll say it right now—Olivia Miles is my unanimous Rookie of the Year. Argue with me if you want.

Born in Summit, NJ, grew up in Phillipsburg, the native and Blair Academy product has taken the league by storm.

She became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 350 points and 100 assists to begin a career. She broke the rookie record for most three-pointers in a single game after knocking down eight against the Golden State Valkyries. She earned back-to-back Rookie of the Month honors, became the only rookie voted as a starter for the 2026 WNBA All-Star Game, and has already entered MVP and All-WNBA conversations—all while leading one of the league's best teams.

And she's just a rookie.

Then there's Marina Mabrey, one of the league's premier guards and a Belmar native. Diamond Miller, from Somerset, continues to prove why New Jersey consistently develops elite talent. The pipeline isn't slowing down either. Notre Dame star Hannah Hidalgo is projected to be one of the top selections in a future WNBA Draft and looks destined to become another face of the league.

The talent has never been the problem.

The WNBA already has New Jersey stars.

Now it's time to give New Jersey its own team.

Ever since the Nets left, New Jersey has been without a professional basketball franchise to truly call its own. Sure, people root for New York teams, but let's be honest—that's never felt the same. We deserve a team that proudly wears "New Jersey" across its jersey.

And don't tell me the fans wouldn't show up.

New Jersey has one of the strongest girls' basketball cultures in America. From youth leagues to powerhouse AAU programs to nationally ranked high schools, this state produces basketball players every single year. Weekend after weekend, gyms are packed with families watching the next generation compete.

Imagine giving those young girls a hometown WNBA team to dream about.

I think about my niece, London Rayne Philemon—remember the name!

She's incredibly talented, but she doesn't always realize just how good she is. I'd love to take her to a WNBA game in New Jersey so she can watch women from this state compete on the biggest stage. Sometimes all it takes is seeing someone who looks like you wearing "New Jersey" across their chest to believe that dream is possible.

Beyond basketball, New Jersey is ready.

Cities like Newark, Jersey City, Hoboken, and even Montclair have grown tremendously. The state continues to attract major sporting events, including hosting matches during the FIFA World Cup. The infrastructure is here. The fan base is here. The basketball culture is already here.

The only thing missing is the team.

As the WNBA looks toward its future, New Jersey should be at the top of the expansion list.

We're one of the country's biggest basketball hotbeds. We produce stars. We support women's basketball. We have passionate fans ready to fill an arena.

The league doesn't just need another city.

It needs New Jersey.

Commissioner, if this somehow finds its way to your desk, give me a call.

Let's talk.

Because New Jersey isn't asking anymore.

We're ready.

And trust me—we'll show up.