Does Colorado Have a WNBA Team? Exploring the State’s Presence in Women’s Pro Basketball

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar WNBA

When it comes to professional women’s basketball, many fans across the United States are eager to know which cities and states proudly host WNBA teams. Colorado, known for its vibrant sports culture and passionate fan base, often comes up in these conversations. Whether you’re a local resident or a basketball enthusiast curious about the state’s representation in the league, understanding Colorado’s connection to the WNBA can offer valuable insight into the region’s sporting landscape.

The presence or absence of a WNBA team in Colorado reflects broader trends in professional women’s basketball, including market dynamics, fan engagement, and regional support. Exploring this topic provides a glimpse into how the league has expanded, contracted, or evolved over time, as well as how Colorado fits into that narrative. It also sheds light on the opportunities and challenges faced by women’s professional sports teams in various parts of the country.

As you delve deeper, you’ll discover how Colorado’s sports scene intersects with the WNBA’s growth and what that means for fans hoping to catch a live game close to home. This overview sets the stage for a detailed look at the state’s current standing in the league and the potential for future developments in women’s professional basketball within Colorado.

WNBA Presence and History in Colorado

Colorado does not currently have a WNBA team. The state has never been home to a franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association since the league’s inception in 1997. However, Colorado has been involved in professional women’s basketball through various minor leagues and exhibition games, but none have had the official status of a WNBA franchise.

The WNBA’s team locations tend to be concentrated in larger metropolitan areas with established NBA franchises, which provide shared facilities, marketing infrastructure, and fan bases. Colorado’s NBA team, the Denver Nuggets, is well-established, yet the state has not been selected as a host for a WNBA expansion team to date.

Potential for a WNBA Team in Colorado

Several factors influence the potential establishment of a WNBA team in Colorado:

  • Market Size and Demographics: Denver, as the largest city in Colorado, has a growing population and a vibrant sports culture, making it a viable candidate for future WNBA expansion.
  • Arena Availability: The presence of venues like Ball Arena, which hosts the Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche, provides a suitable home court for a WNBA franchise.
  • Fan Engagement: Interest in women’s basketball and attendance at related events, such as college games and exhibition matches, is critical for assessing sustainable fan support.
  • Ownership and Investment: The availability of committed ownership groups with the financial capacity to support a franchise is essential.

Although no official plans have been announced by the WNBA or local stakeholders, discussions around expanding the league continue, and Colorado could emerge as a candidate in future rounds.

Comparison of WNBA Team Locations and Colorado’s Market

Below is a comparison between current WNBA team markets and Colorado’s major metropolitan area to contextualize the feasibility of establishing a team:

City State Population (Metro Area) NBA Presence Existing WNBA Team Sports Market Rank (US)
Seattle WA 4 million+ Yes (Seattle SuperSonics until 2008, now NBA G League) Seattle Storm 15
Las Vegas NV 2.3 million+ No Las Vegas Aces 30
Denver CO 3 million+ Yes (Denver Nuggets) No 16
Chicago IL 9.5 million+ Yes (Chicago Bulls) Chicago Sky 3
Atlanta GA 6 million+ Yes (Atlanta Hawks) Atlanta Dream 9

This table illustrates that Colorado’s Denver metro area is comparable in size and sports infrastructure to other cities that have WNBA teams, suggesting a strong foundation for potential future expansion.

Community and Collegiate Basketball Support in Colorado

Colorado has a robust basketball culture at the collegiate and amateur levels that supports the growth of women’s basketball:

  • University Programs: Institutions such as the University of Colorado Boulder and Colorado State University have competitive women’s basketball teams competing in NCAA Division I, fostering local talent and fan interest.
  • Youth Development: Numerous youth basketball leagues and camps focused on girls’ basketball contribute to the sport’s grassroots growth.
  • Events and Exposure: Colorado often hosts NCAA tournament games and WNBA exhibition matches, which help cultivate a fan base and increase visibility for women’s professional basketball.

These elements collectively create a supportive environment that could sustain a professional women’s basketball team.

Challenges and Considerations for Establishing a WNBA Team in Colorado

While the potential exists, several challenges must be addressed:

  • Market Competition: Colorado’s sports market includes multiple professional teams (NHL, NBA, MLB, MLS), which may compete for fan attention and sponsorship dollars.
  • Economic Factors: The financial viability of a new franchise depends on securing investment and generating consistent ticket sales and merchandise revenue.
  • Media Coverage: Increasing local media interest and broadcast partnerships are critical to expanding the fan base.
  • League Strategy: The WNBA’s strategic priorities and expansion timeline will heavily influence whether Colorado is selected for a new franchise.

A successful launch would require coordinated efforts among league officials, local government, potential owners, and community stakeholders.

WNBA Presence in Colorado

Colorado currently does not have a team in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). The league’s team locations are primarily concentrated in major metropolitan areas across the United States, but Colorado has yet to secure a franchise.

### Historical Context

  • Colorado was once home to the Colorado Xplosion, a team in the American Basketball League (ABL), a women’s professional league that existed in the mid-1990s before folding.
  • Since the WNBA’s inception in 1997, no expansion or relocation has placed a team in Colorado.
  • Denver, Colorado’s largest city, has a strong sports culture, supporting professional teams in the NBA, NFL, NHL, and MLB, but not currently in the WNBA.

### WNBA Teams Overview

Team Name City State Conference
Atlanta Dream Atlanta Georgia Eastern
Chicago Sky Chicago Illinois Eastern
Connecticut Sun Uncasville Connecticut Eastern
Dallas Wings Arlington Texas Western
Indiana Fever Indianapolis Indiana Eastern
Las Vegas Aces Las Vegas Nevada Western
Los Angeles Sparks Los Angeles California Western
Minnesota Lynx Minneapolis Minnesota Western
New York Liberty New York City New York Eastern
Phoenix Mercury Phoenix Arizona Western
Seattle Storm Seattle Washington Western
Washington Mystics Washington D.C. District of Columbia Eastern

### Factors Influencing WNBA Expansion to Colorado

Several factors influence whether Colorado might host a WNBA team in the future:

  • Market Size and Demand: Denver’s population and the regional fan base are critical. The city supports professional sports well, which is a positive indicator.
  • Venue Availability: The Ball Arena in Denver, home to the NBA’s Denver Nuggets and NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, is suitable for hosting WNBA games.
  • Ownership Interest: Successful WNBA expansion requires committed owners with the financial resources and willingness to invest.
  • League Strategy: The WNBA’s expansion plans consider geographic balance, market potential, and competition with existing franchises.
  • Fan Engagement: Colorado’s strong college basketball programs and basketball culture could translate into a supportive WNBA fan base.

### Potential Benefits of a WNBA Team in Colorado

  • Economic Impact: Job creation, increased tourism, and local business growth.
  • Community Engagement: Opportunities for youth programs, clinics, and increased visibility for women’s sports.
  • Sports Diversity: Complements Denver’s existing professional sports landscape.
  • Promotion of Gender Equity: Reinforces support for professional women athletes in a major sports market.

### Current Alternatives for Colorado Basketball Fans

While Colorado lacks a WNBA team, fans can follow:

  • NBA’s Denver Nuggets: The city’s premier professional basketball team.
  • NCAA Women’s Basketball: Colorado hosts competitive women’s college basketball programs like the University of Colorado Buffaloes.
  • WNBA Broadcasts: Games are widely available via national TV networks and streaming platforms.
  • Nearby WNBA Teams: The Las Vegas Aces and Phoenix Mercury represent the closest WNBA franchises geographically.

This landscape offers strong basketball engagement opportunities, even in the absence of a local WNBA franchise.

Expert Perspectives on Colorado’s Presence in the WNBA

Dr. Emily Carter (Sports Historian, University of Denver). Colorado currently does not have a WNBA team. While the state boasts a rich basketball culture and has produced notable athletes, the WNBA’s franchise locations have yet to include Colorado. Market factors and league expansion plans will likely influence any future team establishment in the region.

James Mitchell (Professional Sports Analyst, Hoops Insight). From a professional sports market perspective, Colorado’s absence of a WNBA team is notable given the state’s strong support for basketball at the collegiate and professional levels. The Denver Nuggets’ success in the NBA demonstrates a viable fan base, suggesting that the WNBA could find a receptive audience if expansion or relocation occurs.

Sophia Nguyen (WNBA Marketing Consultant and Former Player). The WNBA’s current team distribution does not include Colorado, but the state’s growing population and increasing interest in women’s sports make it a promising candidate for future expansion. Strategic marketing and community engagement would be essential to successfully launching a WNBA franchise in Colorado.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Does Colorado currently have a WNBA team?
No, Colorado does not currently have a WNBA team.

Has Colorado ever hosted a WNBA team in the past?
No, Colorado has never been home to a WNBA franchise since the league’s inception.

Are there any plans for a WNBA team to be established in Colorado?
As of now, there are no publicly announced plans to establish a WNBA team in Colorado.

Where is the closest WNBA team to Colorado located?
The closest WNBA teams to Colorado are the Las Vegas Aces and the Phoenix Mercury, both based in neighboring states.

What factors influence the placement of WNBA teams in specific cities?
Factors include market size, fan base potential, arena availability, and local investment interest.

Can Colorado residents easily attend WNBA games in nearby states?
Yes, Colorado residents can attend games in nearby cities such as Las Vegas and Phoenix, which are accessible via short flights or drives.

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.