The latest Themes Team update offers a comprehensive look at the activity within WordPress’s theme ecosystem, spotlighting review backlogs, block theme adoption, and plugin milestones. For developers and site operators relying on the directory, the numbers signal sustained momentum but also areas requiring attention.
As of March 18, 2026, the WordPress theme directory has processed an impressive volume of tickets. In the past seven days alone, 1,185 new tickets were opened, 1,189 tickets were closed, and 1,167 themes went live. Of these, 35 were brand-new themes, while 1,132 represented updates to existing themes. This consistent throughput demonstrates the team’s operational efficiency but also highlights the sheer scale of demand from the community.
Theme Directory Backlogs and Reviewer Capacity
Despite the high ticket closure rate, backlogs persist in certain areas. Currently, 24 new tickets are awaiting review, with none older than 4 weeks. However, among the 99 assigned tickets, 12 have been pending for over 4 weeks, 41 for over 2 weeks, 72 for over 1 week, and 98 for more than 3 days. This discrepancy underscores the challenges faced by reviewers in keeping pace with demand.
The team currently comprises 13 active reviewers, including contributors like @acosmin, @ammarsaif, and @kafleg. While their efforts are commendable, scaling review capacity may be necessary to address older ticket bottlenecks effectively.
Block Theme Stats Reflect Growing Adoption
The adoption of block themes continues to gain traction. As of this update, 39 block themes are undergoing review, while 16 have gone live in the past seven days. Block themes represent a critical shift toward full-site editing, and the steady pace of approvals indicates growing developer interest and user demand.
Plugin Milestones and Developer Tools
Two key tools for theme developers also hit notable benchmarks. The Create Block Theme plugin now boasts over 20,000 active installs, signaling its utility in accelerating block theme design workflows. On GitHub, 68 active issues and 7 pull requests highlight ongoing development and community contributions.
Meanwhile, the Theme Check plugin—a vital resource for ensuring compliance with WordPress theme standards—shows 43 active issues and 12 pull requests, reflecting continuous improvements to its functionality.
HelpScout Activity and User Support
Effective user support remains central to the Themes Team’s operations. Over the past week, HelpScout data reveals 7 email conversations, 13 messages received, and 7 replies sent. Of the 6 issues resolved, 83% were addressed on the first reply, demonstrating a high level of responsiveness and efficiency.
What To Do
- For Theme Developers: If you have submitted a theme for review, monitor the status of your ticket closely, especially if it has been assigned. Consider engaging with the review team for updates or clarification.
- For Block Theme Creators: Take advantage of the Create Block Theme plugin for streamlined workflows and review progress for live approvals.
- For Agencies and Site Operators: Keep an eye on newly approved block themes to explore full-site editing opportunities. Leverage the Theme Check plugin for compliance checks.
