With the WNBA gearing up for expansion, the competition has intensified as several cities, including Detroit, work to secure the final franchise spot needed to reach the league's target of 16 teams by 2028. Following recent announcements about new teams set to emerge, Detroit’s bid has gained traction due to prominent backing from various influential figures.
According to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Englebert, the last bid for expansion will be unveiled later this year, positioning cities like Detroit at the forefront of discussions. The WNBA has already confirmed expansion teams for Golden State, which will begin play as the Valkyries later this May, as well as two additional teams slated to launch in 2026—Portland and Toronto. Notably, the return of Portland marks the league's rare redemption arc, revisiting previous markets.
The wave of interest began last autumn when cities such as Kansas City, St. Louis, Milwaukee, and Austin expressed their intentions to enter the expansion race, garnering support from high-profile athletes like Patrick Mahomes and Kevin Durant.
This past week saw the submission of formal bids from four additional cities before the January 30 deadline, each bringing their own unique legacy and ambition.
First up is Houston, where Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta is vying to bring back the WNBA to the city, famed for housing the Comets, who won the league’s first four titles. Fertitta’s bid aims for the team to play at the Toyota Center, where the legacy of the Comets remains visible through their retired jerseys and memorabilia.
Next is Detroit, where Pistons owner Tom Gores is leading a group passionate about reviving the city’s former WNBA franchise, the Detroit Shock, which flourished from 1998 to 2009, winning three championships. Gores has rallied support from key stakeholders, including Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp, Lions quarterback Jared Goff, GM CEO Mary Barra, and former Pistons legends Grant Hill and Chris Webber. This powerhouse coalition reflects the city’s strong sports culture.
“Detroit is a sports town,” Gores stated, emphasizing the city’s enduring support for its teams. The news is made even more exciting by the WNBA’s recent trademark application to reclaim the name “Detroit Shock,” hinting at serious intentions of reestablishing the franchise.
Meanwhile, Nashville is following suit with its bid, led by Predators owner Bill Haslam and his wife Crissy. Their proposal is named the Tennessee Summit, honoring the legendary Pat Summitt, renowned for her impact on women’s basketball. Included among the bid supporters are former Tennessee star Candace Parker and football icon Peyton Manning, with aspirations to host the team at Bridgestone Arena, aligning with plans for additional practice facilities by 2028.
Also making headlines is Philadelphia, where Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment seeks to introduce the WNBA to the City of Brotherly Love. The group's plans include establishing the team as part of the new arena developments proposed for South Philadelphia, with Comcast Spectator collaborating on the venture. The Sixers would play a pivotal role as investors should the bid succeed, and local celebrity Wanda Sykes has expressed her desire to support the initiative.
The excitement surrounding these expansion bids signifies not only the growing enthusiasm for women’s professional basketball but also the fierce competition among cities striving to secure their place within the WNBA’s future. Each city's bid showcases dedicated efforts and the potential for invigorated regional basketball ecosystems.
Detroit's effort to once again host WNBA action builds on the city's rich basketball history. The Shock's successful run previously brought triple championships to the Motor City, creating lasting memories and loyal fandom. This legacy stands as both motivation and validation for the extensive backing from influential figures who aspire to recapture the city's place within the elite circles of women’s sports.
The next few months will be pivotal for the WNBA as it assesses these bids. Each city’s submission reveals not just aspirations of professional sport growth, but also reflects the social momentum behind women's sports nationwide. With Detroit among the cities at the forefront of this thrilling transition, basketball fans remain eagerly awaiting the league's decisions and the possibilities these expansions could bring.