Why Dawn Staley Doesn’t Want to Coach a WNBA Team

Dawn Staley and Kylie Kelce share a love for Philadelphia sports. So when Kelce asked the legendary head coach if she would be interested in coaching a Philly-based WNBA expansion team, she may not have expected a quick “no.”

“You know why? I would rather be an owner,” explained Staley, 55, on the Thursday, June 19, episode of Kelce’s “Not Gonna Lie” podcast. “I think there’s much more in it to ownership. I know a lot of people think that coaching is my best attribute. And I do think I’m a pretty good coach. But when I’m an owner, I can probably touch more people.”

Staley was born and raised in Philadelphia and often displays her love for the Eagles with her apparel on the sidelines. Kylie, 33, is married to former Eagles center Jason Kelce and is from the Philly suburbs.

She welcomed the idea of Staley owning a Philadelphia expansion team and even took it a step further.

Inside Kylie Kelce’s Friendships With Philadelphia Eagles Women

“Let’s do it. I’ll invest,” she said.

The WNBA has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the past half-decade, leading to three new expansion franchises with a fourth likely on the way. The Golden State Valkyries debuted earlier this year, and the Toronto Tempo and Portland WNBA club are on deck in 2026. Though the league has not formally announced which city will get the next expansion team, it is believed that Cleveland is a strong favorite.

WIth the league’s rapid growth, Kylie could be forgiven for showing some impatience over bringing the W to her home city.

“As passionate as we are and as much momentum as women’s sports has right now, guys, come on,” she pleaded.

Jason Kelce Explains Why He Is ‘Pissed’ About 76ers’ Potential Relocation

There has been plenty of chatter over Philadelphia getting a team as well, and though Staley would welcome it, she cautioned that the timing matters — and if the city’s NBA team could start winning, it would help.

“The Sixers have to get it going on and I do think it will be more welcomed,” Staley said. “Timing is key. When the time is right, it will be around for a long time.”

Philadelphia fans have an unforgiving reputation, dating back to 1968 when frustrated Eagles fans booed Santa Claus during St. Nick’s appearance on the field as the team was stumbling to a 2-12 season.

“If it’s forced on Philadelphians, you give us room to criticize it,” Staley said. “If it doesn’t start right, you give Philly room to boo Santa Claus.”