FORMER WNBA CHAMPION FRAN HARRIS WANTS TO BRING THE LEAGUE TO AUSTIN

Fran Harris does it all. NCAA champion? Check. WNBA champion? Check. Television host and successful business owner, including an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank? Also, check. Now, she hopes to bring her expansive background and land a WNBA expansion franchise to Austin, Texas.

The WNBA has 15 franchises locked and loaded with three expansion teams added to the mix. The Golden State Valkyries are set to begin play next season, while the Toronto Tempo and the Portland franchise to be named later will hit the court in 2026.

Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said that the goal is to have 16 WNBA teams by 2028. Many cities hope to court the league and bring the WNBA to their town. Harris knows that Austin is a prime candidate that has everything the league is looking for. The stadium, the fanbase, an attractive free agent destination, rivalry potential.

A WNBA team in Austin brings another piece, too: an in-state rivalry with the Dallas Wings. Harris has worked as a broadcaster for the Wings, including during this past season. She knows a potential new rivalry in the W would be a hit.




https://winsidr.com/2025/01/former-wnba-champion-fran-harris-wants-to-bring-the-league-to-austin/