Charlotte’s Beloved Sting Could Reignite: city Submits Bid for WNBA Expansion
After nearly two decades away, the iconic Charlotte Sting could be making a triumphant return to the WNBA. Local business leaders, the berman family, have officially submitted a bid to bring back the franchise, igniting excitement among basketball enthusiasts in the Queen City.
This move comes at a pivotal time for women’s basketball, which is experiencing unprecedented growth and recognition.Erica Berman, a potential team owner, emphasized their family’s passion for the sport and their belief in the potential of the franchise. “We saw the value and importance of women’s sports and the trajectory of women’s basketball,” she said. “Our family has a deep love for the game and the sport, and we want to restore the Sting for its past, the city’s present, and its future.”
The bid enjoys significant local support, including backing from the current Charlotte Hornets owners. Rick Schnall, Gabe Plotkin, and Damian Mills have joined forces with the Bermans, demonstrating a unified commitment to bringing a WNBA team back to Charlotte. Nadia Eke,a bid consultant, highlights the city’s readiness for a WNBA franchise,citing strong market potential and a passionate community.
The original Charlotte Sting, active from 1997 to 2006, played a crucial role in the early years of the WNBA. the team achieved its greatest success in 2001, reaching the WNBA Finals and creating memories that resonate with fans even today. Their return would undoubtedly reignite the spirit of WNBA basketball in Charlotte and contribute to the league’s ongoing success.
Charlotte Gunning for WNBA Return: Bid to Bring Back Sting Gets Boost
Charlotte aims to make a splash in the world of women’s basketball with a bid to bring back the Charlotte Sting, the city’s beloved WNBA franchise that disbanded in 2004. The enterprising plan, championed by basketball investor and prominent Hornets owner Gabe Plotkin, has garnered significant community support and could see the Sting reborn as early as 2028.
If approved, Charlotte would become the 16th team in the WNBA. This potential expansion would involve a three-year period to construct essential infrastructure,including a dedicated practice facility.
the buzz surrounding the bid has been palpable, with over 4,000 signatures collected through a public petition. Legendary basketball figures, including former Sting player and current South Carolina Gamecocks head coach Dawn Staley, have publicly expressed their backing for the project.
“The Carolinas are the heartbeat of basketball in the United States,” emphasized Plotkin, emphasizing the region’s deep-rooted basketball tradition.”Reviving the Sting isn’t just for Charlotte—it’s for the entire region. We’re building a legacy that brings people together.”
currently,WNBA officials are carefully reviewing the expansion bid and navigating the process of securing the Charlotte Sting brand trademark. As this unfolds, basketball enthusiasts throughout the Carolinas eagerly anticipate the possibility of professional women’s basketball returning to Charlotte, marking a possibly historic moment in the city’s sports landscape.
Hornets Acquire Nurkic, 2026 First-Round Pick in Trade
The Charlotte Hornets bolstered their frontcourt depth, acquiring center Jusuf Nurkic from the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Cody Martin and Vasilije Micic, according to reports.
The deal also includes a 2026 first-round pick heading to Charlotte. Nurkic, known for his physical presence and rebounding prowess, adds a veteran presence to the Hornets’ lineup.
Martin,a versatile wing,and Micic,a talented guard,depart charlotte in the transaction. The Hornets continue to reshape their roster ahead of the upcoming season, aiming to solidify their position in the Eastern conference.
Besides reaching the WNBA Finals, what other notable achievements did the original Charlotte sting accomplish?
Charlotte Sting comeback: Your Q&A
Q: Will the Charlotte Sting be back in the WNBA?
A: its looking promising! A bid led by the Berman family and backed by Charlotte Hornets owners has been submitted to the WNBA. While a final decision hasn’t been made, the city’s passionate support and the growing popularity of women’s basketball make a return seem highly likely.
Q: When could the Sting potentially return?
A: If approved, the revival could happen as early as 2028. The bid includes a three-year timeline to build a practice facility and get everything ready for tip-off.
Q: What makes Charlotte a good fit for a WNBA team?
A: Charlotte has a proven track record of supporting women’s sports, a passionate basketball community, and a strong market potential. The city’s previous experience with the Sting (1997-2004) and the recent surge in WNBA viewership show a hungry fanbase ready for professional women’s basketball.
Q: Did the original Sting achieve any major success?
A: Yes! They reached the WNBA Finals in 2001,a highlight that still resonates with fans today. Their return would undoubtedly reignite the spirit of WNBA basketball in Charlotte.
The potential return of the Charlotte Sting has the entire city buzzing with excitement.With strong local support, a proven history, and a growing women’s basketball landscape, the future looks radiant for the “new” Sting.
