Nashville Group Aims to Bring WNBA Team to Tennessee
Nashville could soon be home to a WNBA franchise. A group led by former Tennessee Governor bill Haslam has submitted a bid to the league for a team that would begin play in 2028.
the proposed team, named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt, boasts a star-studded investor group.The group includes Candace Parker, three-time WNBA champion and former Lady Vols star; Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback peyton Manning; and country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
“We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow,” Haslam said.
The bid also outlines plans for a practice facility that would be shared with youth basketball programs.
Parker, who won two national championships under Summitt at the University of Tennessee, emphasized the importance of bringing a WNBA team to the state. “Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for,” Parker said. “I’m excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.”
Summitt’s son, Tyler, echoed Parker’s sentiments, stating that his mother, who passed away in 2016, would be ”proud and honored” to be part of the expansion of women’s professional basketball into Tennessee.
The Nashville team would play at Bridgestone Arena, current home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, which Haslam began purchasing in 2022.
The WNBA is currently expanding, with Golden State, Portland, and Toronto joining the league in the next two seasons, bringing the total number of franchises to 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has indicated the league’s desire to add a 16th team by 2028, with Cleveland also submitting a bid in November.
**A:** The bid includes plans for a practice facility that would also be shared with youth basketball programs, aiming to foster community engagement and support the progress of young athletes.
Nashville Group aims to Bring WNBA Team to Tennessee
Nashville could soon be home to a WNBA franchise. A group led by former Tennessee Governor bill haslam has submitted a bid to the league for a team that would begin play in 2028.
The proposed team, named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt, boasts a star-studded investor group. The group includes Candace Parker, three-time WNBA champion and former Lady Vols star; Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning; and country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
“We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow,” Haslam said.
The bid also outlines plans for a practice facility that would be shared with youth basketball programs.
Parker, who won two national championships under Summitt at the University of Tennessee, emphasized the importance of bringing a WNBA team to the state. “Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for,” Parker said.“I’m excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.”
Summitt’s son, Tyler, echoed Parker’s sentiments, stating that his mother, who passed away in 2016, would be “proud and honored” to be part of the expansion of women’s professional basketball into Tennessee.
The Nashville team would play at Bridgestone Arena, current home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, which Haslam began purchasing in 2022.
The WNBA is currently expanding, with Golden State, Portland, and Toronto joining the league in the next two seasons, bringing the total number of franchises to 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has indicated the league’s desire to add a 16th team by 2028,with Cleveland also submitting a bid in November.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When could the Nashville team begin play?
A: The bid proposes a start date of 2028.
Q: Who are some of the key figures behind the bid?
A: The group is led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and includes WNBA champion Candace Parker, NFL legend Peyton Manning, and country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Q: Why is the team named the Tennessee Summitt?
A: The team is named to honor the legacy of legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt.
Q: Where would the team play its home games?
A: The nashville team would play at Bridgestone Arena, currently home to the NHL’s Nashville Predators.
The excitement around bringing a WNBA team to Nashville is palpable. To learn more about this potential expansion and how you can get involved, visit the official website of the Nashville WNBA bid.
