Joe Lacob isn’t any stranger to creating daring guarantees and construction successful groups. Now, the person who helped flip the Golden State Warriors right into a dynasty — with 4 titles and 6 Finals appearances since he purchased the franchise in 2010 — is hoping to do the similar in the WNBA.
On Thursday, the WNBA formally granted Lacob and the Warriors a spread franchise that may start play in 2025. The but unnamed team will play at Chase Center and observe on the Warriors’ facility in Oakland. If all is going to devise, they are going to be hoisting a trophy faster fairly than later.
“First press conference with the Warriors, I said we will win a championship in the first five years,” Lacob mentioned right through a press convention to formally announce the team on Thursday. “I’m telling you right now, we will win a WNBA championship in the first five years of this franchise.”
Lacob’s declare is also audacious, however that is the type of mindset any proprietor must have. It’s additionally now not out of the area of risk. The Seattle Storm received a title in their first five years of lifestyles, and the Atlanta Dream were given to 2 Finals in their preliminary five seasons.
For a complete ancient account, here is a take a look at the timeline for the newest enlargement franchises. Note: This best contains groups which are nonetheless in operation and joined the league since 2000.
Indiana Fever
- First season: 2000
- Wins in first season: Nine
- Record in first five seasons: 66-98
- Playoff appearances: One
- Finals appearances: None
- Championships: None
Seattle Storm
- First season: 2000
- Wins in first season: Six
- Record in first five seasons: 71-93
- Playoff appearances: Two
- Finals appearances: One
- Championships: One
Chicago Sky
- First season: 2006
- Wins in first season: Five
- Record in first five seasons: 61-109
- Playoff appearances: None
- Finals appearances: None
- Championships: None
Atlanta Dream
- First season: 2008
- Wins in first season: Four
- Record in first five seasons: 80-90
- Playoff appearances: Four
- Finals appearances: Two
- Championships: None
As you’ll be able to see, there may be quite a lot of results for enlargement franchises. The one commonplace denominator is you are nearly indubitably going to be unhealthy in your first season. From there so much depends upon draft good fortune, creating gamers, training and sources. On the latter, it is transparent Lacob and Co. will spare no expense. The team is not even enjoying but and has its personal devoted observe facility, which some present groups cannot declare.
That more or less dedication does not ensure good fortune, but it surely is going a ways.
“We’re coming in here, number one, to win,” Lacob told ESPN in an interview. “Number two, we want to see this league and women’s basketball grow, and we hope to be a big part of it. We think it’s a watershed event for us to come in and commit to it in a big way. We’re going to bring all of our resources. We can put this machine to work, and we’re going to do that.”