Nashville Aims for WNBA Expansion Team
Nashville is hoping to land a WNBA franchise by 2028. A group led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy, along with basketball icons Candace Parker and Peyton Manning, has submitted a bid.
The proposed team, named the “Tennessee Summitt” in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt, would play in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators.The bid also includes plans for a new practice facility.
This bid comes during a period of notable growth for the WNBA, which aims to expand to 16 teams by 2028. The league has already announced teams in Toronto and Portland, set to debut in 2026.
Nashville’s bid faces competition from several other cities, including Kansas City, St. Louis, Houston, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, all expressing strong interest in securing a WNBA franchise.
The Haslam group’s confidence stems from the city’s vibrant sports culture and passionate fanbase. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell emphasized Nashville’s enthusiasm for professional women’s sports and saw the addition of a WNBA team as a natural progression for the city.
What is the proposed name for Nashville’s potential WNBA team, and who is it honoring?
Nashville Aims for WNBA Expansion Team
Nashville is hoping to land a WNBA franchise by 2028. A group led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam
and his wife, Crissy, along with basketball icons Candace Parker and Peyton
Manning, has submitted a bid.
The proposed team, named the “Tennessee Summitt” in honor of legendary
coach Pat Summitt, would play in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, home of
the NHL’s Nashville Predators. The bid also includes plans for a new practise facility.
This bid comes during a period of notable growth for the WNBA, which aims to expand to 16 teams by
2028. The league has already announced teams in Toronto and Portland, set
to debut in 2026.
Nashville’s bid faces competition from several other cities, including Kansas City, St.
Louis, Houston, Detroit, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, all expressing
strong interest in securing a WNBA franchise.
The Haslam group’s confidence stems from the city’s vibrant sports culture and passionate
fanbase. Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell emphasized Nashville’s enthusiasm for professional women’s sports and saw the addition of a WNBA team as a natural progression for the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When could Nashville potentially have a WNBA team?
A: If the bid is prosperous, the Tennessee Summitt could take the court as early as 2028.
Q: Where would the team play?
A: The proposed home for the Tennessee Summitt is Bridgestone Arena, the current home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators [[1](https://www.visitmusiccity.com/nashville-neighborhoods/downtown-nashville)].
Q: Who is behind Nashville’s bid?
A: A powerful group led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and his wife,Crissy,alongside WNBA star Candace Parker and NFL legend Peyton Manning.
Q: why is Nashville considered a strong contender?
A: Nashville boasts a passionate sports fanbase and a thriving downtown scene, making it an attractive destination for a WNBA franchise.
Stay tuned for updates on this exciting bid and the potential for Nashville to become a WNBA city!
