PHILADELPHIA….FREEDOM?? BLOG 26 by Nick

Cue the Elton John – Philadelphia is finally getting the WNBA franchise it deserves. Starting in 2030, the Philadelphia (Freedom, Liberty Belles?) will tip off as one of three new teams joining the league, alongside Detroit and Cleveland. Do I know the team name yet? Absolutely not, but I like Freedom and many Philly hoops fans have showed strong support for the name. That is still to be announced. For the sake of this article and my personal bias, let’s roll with it. A city built on grit, passion, and hoops culture, the arrival of the Freedom is more than overdue, it was written.

Philly has produced legendary women in basketball, none greater than Dawn Staley, the North Philly native who rose from city courts to Olympic gold and coaching greatness. Her legacy, along with countless other Philly-born stars, has inspired generations of young girls who now have a hometown team to dream about.

From high school gyms to college arenas, basketball runs deep in Philadelphia. The city’s love for the game is passionate and loyal – The perfect recipe for a thriving WNBA franchise. The Freedom will represent more than just a team name; they will symbolize the spirit of the city, the fight for equality, and the growing platform of women’s sports.

As the countdown to 2030 begins, one thing is certain: Philadelphia is ready. The passion is here. The talent is homegrown. And the Freedom are coming.