WNBA Returns to Detroit

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced earlier today that Detroit and its ownership group led by Tom and Holly Gores have been awarded an expansion franchise, subject to WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors approval.  The new team will join the league in competition beginning in 2029.

“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” said Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, who led the WNBA bid and will be the controlling owner of the new franchise.  “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition. Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights. Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert lauded Detroit’s commitment to advancing the growth of the WNBA and how the new team will impact the community.

“Detroit’s legacy in basketball runs deep and today marks the start of an exciting new chapter,” said Engelbert. “We’re proud to return to a city that was once home to one of the most successful teams in WNBA history – and even more excited for the role Detroit will play in shaping the league’s future. The Motor City embodies everything the WNBA stands for – passion, perseverance, and the power of sport to drive change. We’re grateful to Tom Gores and his team for their vision, passion, and commitment to building something special.”

Plans for the WNBA team include a comprehensive facilities strategy that will utilize a combination of new and current facilities to service the team, its players and the community:

• The team will play its games at Little Caesars Arena, bringing another 22-plus sporting events to the city each year and delivering additional economic impact to the restaurants and small businesses in the downtown area.
• A new dedicated WNBA practice facility and team headquarters will be constructed to allow for around-the-clock training and amenities for players and coaches.  The facility will include state-of-the-art designated courts, locker room, workout facilities and office and lounge space.
• Embedding the team in the community, the development will also include a publicly accessible sports center that will support the formation and creation of a youth development academy. The academy will promote youth sports and address the lack of access and equity among youth sports facilities in Detroit. The vision is to build a transformative community destination that will service the new franchise andinclude public-facing youth basketball courts, volleyball courts and multi-purpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, complete with spectator seating.
• Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has committed to partnering with the ownership group to develop the new campus in a central location for Detroit residents.

The Gores-led ownership group comprises a diverse and accomplished group of equity investors, from sports, business, entertainment, media, and finance.  Gores said he’s excited to work with this group to grow women’s basketball and inspire the community.

“We have brought together an impressive array of investors who reflect the strength and diversity of Detroit,” added Gores. “I’m excited about what we can accomplish together to advance women’s professional sports and inspire a new generation of fans. I’m grateful to our exceptional investor group, Commissioner Engelbert, and the WNBA for their trust in our vision and commitment to the people of Detroit.”

Michigan’s top elected officials applauded the news from the WNBA and pledged their administration’s full support to clear the way for the WNBA’s return to the Motor City.

“As a proud, lifelong Michigander, former mediocre basketball player, and governor of this great state, I’m fired up today for fans across our state,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “This has been a long time coming, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to get it done. Michiganders are fiercely loyal to all our teams, and we look forward to cheering on women’s basketball not just in the Motor City, but across the entire state. Michigan was already the best sports state in the nation, and now it’s even better for women and girls who always play hard and play to win. Let’s go.”

“Today’s announcement by the WNBA is a big win for Detroit and further solidifies its role as one of the greatest sports towns anywhere,” said Duggan. “We are ready to once again embrace women’s professional basketball and fully support the vision to bring transformative new facilities and a youth sports academy that will impact Detroit youth for generations to come.”

Ilitch Companies Chief Executive Officer Chris Ilitch expressed excitement regarding the addition of a WNBA team in Detroit and the opportunity to infuse the city with more activity and energy.

“Momentum and interest surrounding women’s sports has never been stronger, and we’re proud to host a WNBA team at Little Caesars Arena,” said Ilitch. “Bringing a WNBA team to Detroit is a huge win for the city and fans across the region.  This team will join an incredibly diverse lineup of sports and entertainment offered at Little Caesars Arena, and we look forward to the lively atmosphere it will create for our venue and the community.”

Today’s announcement sets forth the WNBA’s return to Detroit, where the Detroit Shock were one of the first expansion teams in the WNBA, established in 1996.  From 1998 to 2009, the Shock won three titles, was in the top five in attendance for five straight seasons, No. 1 in attendance for three straight seasons and set a single-game attendance record of 22,076 fans at Game 3 of the 2003 WNBA Finals.