Women's professional basketball is a growing sport, so much so that professional leagues have formed to tap into its popularity. And one of those leagues is going to add a South Bay franchise. This will be the area's second women's professional basketball team in recent years. The San Jose Lasers played in the American Basketball League until the league shut down in 1998 because it couldn't compete with the Women's National Basketball Association league.

The San Jose Spiders of the National Women's Basketball League will begin play in January 2005, and several area community colleges are being considered to host the team. De Anza College is a leading candidate.

The strength of women's college basketball in the area, with major programs at Santa Clara University, San José State University and Stanford University, is a major reason the NWBL added the San Jose franchise.

Just where the team will cast its web in the Silicon Valley remains to be seen.

"It depends on availability," said Spiders' general manager Rory Robertson.

"De Anza has the advantage of accessibility," Robertson said. Despite the lack of venue, Robertson said tickets for Spiders games have already been sold. She said the name Spiders was chosen for its connection to a web, reflecting the Silicon Valley, and team staff felt it was more marketable than its other choice, the Siege.

The Spiders are looking for a gym that can be easily filled with small crowds and one where the college athletic calendar won't conflict with 12 home games, Robertson said. This league plays 12 home games and 12 away games in a season that runs from January to April. In its fifth year, the league's season runs before the Women's National Basketball Association's summer season, and provides a tune-up for WNBA players.

In addition to De Anza College, West Valley College and Evergreen College are also being considered for the team's venue.

The NWBL, which has six other teams in cities ranging from Chicago to Lubbock, features WNBA players and newcomers. Robertson said the Spiders have not signed anyone yet, but hope to draft players with local ties, such as former Stanford player Nicole Powell. They are also interviewing coaching candidates.

De Anza Athletic Director Kulwant Singh said the team would be great for the community. However, he cautioned, "It's still preliminary; we don't know if we can accommodate them."

Robertson said the Spiders will make an announcement on the team's new venue within the next few weeks.

The Spiders will hold an open tryout for regional players Nov. 20 at a local site to be announced. For more information, go to www.nwbl.com/spiders.