Everybody wants a WNBA team — two new cities enter expansion mix this week

Two new cities are hoping to bring WNBA teams to town as the league continues expanding: Detroit and Nashville.

Those two bidders join a long list of cities that have reportedly expressed interest in bringing professional women’s basketball to town, a list that includes Charlotte, Austin, Cleveland, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Houston, and Milwaukee.

Already, three teams are set to join the WNBA — the Golden State Valkyries in 2025, and the Toronto Tempo, and a yet-to-be-named Portland team in 2026. But, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert has stated on numerous occasions the league is hoping to add a 16th team, and as the popularity of the league has exploded, a growing list of cities have entered the fold of WNBA expansion.

Tennesse’s expansion bid would be named after Pat Summitt

WNBA legend Candace Parker and NFL Hall-of-Famer Peyton Manning are hoping to bring a team to Nashville, Tennessee, per Knox News. The team, already named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt, was officially revealed in a bid on Thursday. The bid is being led by Nashville Predators chairman Bill Haslam, as well as country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Its name is particularly fitting — Pat Summitt, who passed away in 2016, is one of the winningness coaches in NCAA history. If the bid was accepted, the team would play at Bridgestone Arena, beginning in 2028.

Detroit aims for a WNBA team almost 15 years after the Shock left down

Detroit is another city vying for the WNBA’s 16th team. Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores is hoping to bring professional women’s basketball back to the city and submitted an official bid; the Detroit Shock was one of the WNBA’s most popular franchises for 12 seasons, winning three championships and regularly leading the league in attendance.

But, the team was sold and move to Tulsa in 2010 — and in 2015, Tulsa Shock majority owner Bill Cameron moved the franchise to the Dallas area. Today, that franchise is the Dallas Wings.

“This is an exciting opportunity to welcome the WNBA back to Detroit and bring additional investment and economic activity into the city,” Gores said. “For the WNBA this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming. No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmore and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan expressed fervent support for the bid.

“Michiganders are fired up,” Whitmer said. “Our passion for our teams and players is unmatched, our commitment to our communities remains unwavering, and our vision for women’s sports is crystal clear. My administration stands ready to support this franchise’s success.”

The team would play at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons play. The bid also includes plans for a brand-new practice facility and team headquarters.

The battle for the WNBA’s 16th team will be incredibly competitive, with nearly a dozen cities in the fold. This week, it only got complicated.