For the first time in two decades, professional women’s basketball is coming home to the Motor City. The WNBA has officially awarded Detroit a new expansion franchise, ending a 20-year absence and igniting excitement across Metro Detroit. Backed by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and NBA legend Grant Hill among others, the city’s successful bid means a Detroit WNBA team will tip off in 2029. “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition,” Gores said, calling it a huge win for Detroit and the league. For lifelong Detroiters, from die-hard Pistons fans to young athletes and families, this news feels like a homecoming that’s been a long time coming.
In this article, we’ll dive into what the WNBA’s return means for Detroit: revisiting the city’s rich Detroit Shock legacy, exploring the new team’s ownership and facilities plans, and highlighting the community impact and local enthusiasm driving this effort. Let’s unpack why now is the perfect time for Detroit to rekindle its love affair with women’s hoops, and how this expansion could energize our city for years to come.
Pistons Talk, Facebook
Detroit’s Basketball Roots: Remembering the Shock Era
Detroit is no stranger to WNBA glory. The Detroit Shock, our original WNBA team, were one of the league’s first expansion franchises and quickly became a powerhouse. From 1998 to 2009, the Shock won three WNBA championships (2003, 2006, 2008) and nurtured a loyal fanbase in the process. In fact, Detroit led the entire WNBA in attendance for three straight seasons during that era. The team still holds the league’s single-game attendance record, a whopping 22,076 fans packed The Palace of Auburn Hills for the 2003 Finals, where the Shock defeated the Los Angeles Sparks to clinch their first title. Those were good times for Detroit basketball fans, who showed up with unwavering passion for their team.
Detroit’s WNBA love affair was about more than just numbers; it was part of the city’s sports identity. The Shock, coached by Pistons legend Bill Laimbeer and led by stars like Swin Cash and Deanna Nolan, embodied Detroit’s gritty, hard-working spirit. They even went from worst-to-first in 2003, a turnaround that still stands as one of pro sports’ great Cinderella stories. Fans embraced the Shock’s “Bad Girls” attitude (a nod to the Pistons’ “Bad Boys” legacy) and proudly cheered them on through every playoff run.
So when the Shock relocated to Tulsa in 2009, it left a void in the city’s heart. The move wasn’t due to lack of fan support; Detroiters had proven they would show up, but rather the business side of sports. The team’s late owner, Bill Davidson (who also owned the Pistons), passed away, and the franchise was sold amid financial losses. The Shock eventually became today’s Dallas Wings, but Detroit never forgot those championship banners. For years, local fans and community leaders kept asking: When will the WNBA come back?
That question finally has an answer. Detroit is getting another WNBA team, and the city is determined to make this return even more successful than the first time around. The legacy of the Shock has set a high bar, one that the new franchise will proudly aim to exceed, with the full support of Michigan’s devoted basketball community.
Detroit’s original WNBA franchise, the Shock, brought home three championships and built a passionate fanbase. In 2003, a record-breaking 22,076 fans packed the arena to watch the Shock clinch the title, a testament to Metro Detroit’s love of the game.
A Star-Studded Ownership: Local Leaders Team Up
Bringing the WNBA back to Detroit took a team effort off the court, led by some of the region’s most influential figures. Tom Gores, owner of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons, spearheaded the bid to secure the new franchise, but he’s far from alone. The ownership group behind Detroit’s WNBA team reads like a who’s-who of local sports, business, and even entertainment stars:
- Tom Gores – Pistons owner and Platinum Equity founder (he will be the controlling owner of the WNBA team). Gores and his wife, Holly, rallied a diverse group of investors for the bid.
- Grant Hill – NBA Hall of Famer and former Pistons superstar. Hill, along with his wife Tamia (a Windsor-born recording artist), brings both basketball expertise and hometown pride.
- Chris Webber – Another NBA Hall of Famer and Detroit native, Webber adds local sports credibility and passion.
- Sheila Ford Hamp – Principal owner of the NFL’s Detroit Lions (and granddaughter of Henry Ford). She and her husband Steve Hamp lent cross-sport support to the effort.
- Jared Goff – Quarterback of the Detroit Lions, and wife Christen. Yes, even our football QB is investing in Detroit’s new basketball team!
- Mary Barra – CEO and Chair of General Motors, one of the largest companies headquartered in Detroit, along with her husband Tony. Barra’s involvement underscores the business community’s belief in this team.
- Arn Tellem – Vice Chairman of the Pistons and longtime sports executive, and his wife Nancy. Tellem has been a driving force behind the scenes and will help guide the new franchise (he was part of the Shock’s previous front office, too).
- KC Crain – President of Crain Communications (local media business) and wife Ashley (a Detroit housing developer). Their inclusion highlights the broad local business interest in the WNBA’s return.
- …and in a particularly Detroit twist, even Marshall “Eminem” Mathers – the hometown hip-hop legend, has reportedly joined the ownership group. When Eminem’s on board for a Detroit project, you know it’s a big deal.
This powerhouse investor group reflects Detroit’s unity and enthusiasm for the WNBA. It’s a mix of sports icons, corporate leaders, and community builders, all with deep local roots. “We have brought together an impressive array of investors who reflect the strength and diversity of Detroit,” Gores said, emphasizing that this isn’t just one owner’s project, but truly a community-backed team. Many of these investors are also parents, mentors, or philanthropists in the area, they get that a WNBA team can be a community asset, not just a business.
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Backed by the Community and Fans
From the beginning, Detroit’s bid had strong support from local leaders and everyday fans alike. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer threw her weight behind the effort early, saying “Michiganders are fired up… No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground”. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan was equally enthusiastic, calling the WNBA’s return a “big win for Detroit” and pledging to help make the new team a success. “We are ready to once again embrace women’s professional basketball,” Duggan said, “and fully support the vision to bring transformative new facilities and a youth sports academy that will impact Detroit youth for generations to come.”
Local fans have been vocal too. On social media and in the neighborhood coffee shops, the buzz is unmistakable: “It’s about time!” is a common refrain. Many remember taking their kids to Shock games at the old Palace, or they recall the electric championship parade in 2003 down Woodward Avenue. Now, a whole new generation of fans will get to experience WNBA action right here at home. Detroit is a sports town that loves its teams deeply and consistently shows up with unwavering passion, as Gores himself noted. Expect the same Detroit pride that fuels the Lions’ roar at Ford Field or the Red Wings’ crowd at Little Caesars Arena to be on full display when our new WNBA team takes the court.
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Detroitisit, Facebook
Home Court at Little Caesars Arena: More Downtown Action
One major difference between the old Shock days and this new franchise is location. The Detroit Shock played out in the suburbs (at the Palace of Auburn Hills, 30+ miles from downtown). The new WNBA team will play right in the heart of the city, at Little Caesars Arena (LCA) in downtown Detroit. LCA is the state-of-the-art arena that’s already home to the Pistons (NBA) and Red Wings (NHL), nestled in Midtown’s developing District Detroit area. Come 2029, it will also be the home court for Detroit’s WNBA team, adding another 20+ summer game nights each year of big-league basketball downtown.
For Detroit’s businesses and residents, that’s great news. An additional 20-22 events at LCA every year means more foot traffic for local restaurants, bars, and shops. Picture a Friday evening next July: families heading downtown for a WNBA game, grabbing pizza at Buddy’s or a coney dog before tip-off; the arena buzzing with both longtime basketball fans and young kids wearing new team jerseys; afterward, maybe celebratory ice cream at Huddle or a drink at a Foxtown bar. These are the kind of vibrant downtown scenes that more games will foster. As a real estate observer, it’s also likely to boost activity in nearby neighborhoods, increasing demand for downtown living and making the area even more attractive for new apartments, shops and entertainment venues to pop up.
Little Caesars Arena was designed as a multi-purpose venue, and it will certainly deliver on that promise. In the summer months when the Pistons and Red Wings are off-season, LCA often only hosted concerts or occasional events. Now, WNBA basketball will keep the arena rocking through those warmer months. The Ilitch organization (which operates LCA) is thrilled; “Bringing a WNBA team to Detroit is a huge win for the city and fans across the region,” said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. It adds to the “incredibly diverse lineup of sports and entertainment offered at Little Caesars Arena” and will create a “lively atmosphere” all summer long.
And let’s not forget, Detroit loves a good rivalry. With Cleveland also adding a WNBA team in 2028 and our team starting in 2029, you can bet Detroit vs. Cleveland will become an immediate showdown in the WNBA (rekindling some Pistons vs. Cavaliers spirit). Chicago already has the Sky, so regional rivalries in the Midwest are about to heat up. All of this points to packed arenas and intense games that will further raise Detroit’s profile as one of America’s great sports cities.
After a WNBA game, families can explore downtown’s best spots, here are some great ideas.
State-of-the-Art Facilities and a Boost for Youth Sports
One of the most exciting parts of Detroit’s WNBA return is the plan to build a world-class practice facility and headquarters for the team, and to use that development to benefit the community. The new WNBA team won’t just borrow the Pistons’ practice gym; they’re getting their own dedicated facility, custom-built to WNBA specifications and open 24/7 for players and coaches.
According to the bid plans, this facility will include everything a pro team could dream of: state-of-the-art courts, a modern locker room, high-tech workout and training facilities, office and meeting spaces, and players’ lounges. In the words of Arn Tellem (Pistons Vice Chair and an investor), the WNBA facility will “rival the Pistons’ new practice facility in New Center”, which is saying a lot; the Pistons’ center (opened in 2019) is among the NBA’s best. In short, Detroit’s owners are investing not just in a team, but in the infrastructure to help that team succeed long-term.
Perhaps even more inspiring, the plan goes beyond just the pro team. The new development will double as a community sports hub. Attached to the WNBA training center will be a public sports complex and youth academy, essentially a huge multi-sport community center for Detroit residents. The vision is to have indoor basketball and volleyball courts, plus outdoor fields for soccer, football, lacrosse, and more, complete with spectator seating. This “youth development academy” will host sports programs and training for local kids, addressing a major need for more accessible youth sports facilities in the city. For many Detroit children, who may have talent but lack resources, this could be a game-changer, providing courts to practice on, clinics run by professionals, and a pipeline to learn and love the game of basketball (or whichever sport they choose). Imagine local AAU tournaments or summer leagues happening in the same complex where WNBA players train. That kind of proximity can truly inspire the next generation.
A conceptual rendering of the proposed sports complex at the long-vacant Uniroyal site on Detroit’s riverfront. The plan includes a WNBA team practice facility and headquarters (center), alongside a publicly accessible youth sports academy with fields and courts for community use. This development would transform a long-empty industrial plot into a vibrant sports campus, connecting to the Detroit RiverWalk and Belle Isle.
Transforming an Iconic Riverfront Site
Where will this all be built? The former Uniroyal Tire site is a name every Detroit real estate buff knows well. This 14-acre riverfront plot just west of the Belle Isle bridge has sat vacant and contaminated since the tire plant closed in the 1980s. For decades, developers pitched ideas (from condos to malls) that never materialized, making Uniroyal one of Detroit’s most notorious “last frontier” development sites. Now, it appears Uniroyal has finally found its purpose. The WNBA ownership group has identified the Uniroyal site as the preferred location for the new practice facility and community sports complex. In fact, earlier this year the City of Detroit cleared previous development hurdles at that site specifically to pave the way for this project. Mayor Duggan has been especially excited about this, noting in his State of the City address that “this is the one that’s always bugged me”, referring to seeing that empty lot on the beautiful riverfront. Now, thanks to the WNBA team, Detroit might finally turn an eyesore into an asset.
From a real estate and community perspective, this is huge. The site sits at a strategic location between downtown, Belle Isle, and several east-side neighborhoods. Building a vibrant sports campus there could spark further development nearby, think new restaurants or shops to serve visitors, improved infrastructure, and possibly new housing in the surrounding area. It also literally extends the successful Detroit RiverWalk eastward, knitting together more of the riverfront for public use. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s vision of a continuous stretch of parks and attractions along the river gets a boost with this plan.
The economic ripple effect of the WNBA facility could be significant. Construction alone will bring jobs, and once open, the complex will draw daily activity virtually year-round (between the pro team and community uses). It’s a smart example of sports-driven development: using a pro team’s needs as a catalyst to build something that benefits the whole community, not just the franchise. Detroit has seen positive examples of this downtown (for instance, the Little Caesars Arena itself was part of a broader District Detroit plan, albeit still ongoing). If done right, the WNBA campus at Uniroyal could be a win-win: giving the team top-notch facilities and giving residents a new park and recreation destination.
Mayor Duggan’s support and the governor’s backing suggest there may even be public-private partnerships or state grants to help make this a reality. “Transformative” is the word officials are using, and it fits. This isn’t just about basketball; it’s about community transformation on Detroit’s east riverfront. As longtime local observers, we know development plans can sometimes fizzle, but the momentum behind this one feels very real. It’s amazing how the return of a WNBA team is poised to solve a puzzle that urban planners have been trying to crack for years!
Detroit is in the midst of a city-wide transformation, with projects like this reshaping our riverfront.
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Pistons Talk, Facebook
Riding a Wave of WNBA Momentum
It’s worth noting that Detroit’s bid didn’t happen in a vacuum; it comes amid a surge in popularity for women’s basketball nationally. The WNBA as a whole is hot right now, breaking records and expanding rapidly. TV ratings have skyrocketed: the 2024 WNBA season was the most-watched in over two decades, averaging about 657,000 viewers per game, the highest since the late ‘90s. Games on ESPN networks averaged 1.19 million viewers, up a staggering 170% from the previous year. To put it simply, interest in women’s hoops is exploding.
What’s driving it? A mix of factors: incredibly talented new stars (think college phenom Caitlin Clark, whose transition to the WNBA sent ratings through the roof, or household names like Breanna Stewart and A’ja Wilson), better marketing and social media engagement by the league, and a broader cultural movement supporting women’s sports. The WNBA is cool and trendy in a way it perhaps never was before. You see WNBA merch on celebrities and NBA players, and young fans (boys and girls alike) following the league on TikTok and Instagram. Attendance is up, merchandise sales are up, social media impressions are up, by virtually every metric, the WNBA’s trajectory is sharply upward.
This momentum is exactly why the league is adding expansion teams for the first time in over a decade. Detroit is one of a handful of cities seizing the opportunity. In addition to Detroit, the WNBA recently added a team in the San Francisco Bay Area (Golden State Valkyries) and has approved new teams in Toronto and Portland (both set to start play in 2026). Coming up, Cleveland will join in 2028, Detroit in 2029, and Philadelphia in 2030, which will bring the league to 18 teams. (There was a lot of competition for these spots; over 10 ownership groups bid for expansion teams, including cities like Nashville, Austin, and others that Detroit beat out.) The fact that Detroit was chosen speaks to our strong market and passionate fans, as well as the robust bid put together by Gores and company.
It’s also notable that expansion fees have skyrocketed, a sign of the league’s rising value. Each new team (Detroit included) is paying a reported $250 million expansion fee to the WNBA. Just a couple years ago, fees were quoted around $50–$125 million for other expansions. Investors are now valuing WNBA franchises at over $260 million on average, more than double what it was a year ago. In Detroit’s case, having an NBA owner (Gores) in place likely helped, since he’s willing to invest in facilities and absorb that entry cost. The league loves having NBA ownership involved because it means stability and shared resources. Indeed, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted that all three new expansion teams have NBA-affiliated owners, which “reflects the surging demand for investment in women’s professional basketball”.
For Detroit fans, all this momentum means we’re rejoining the WNBA at the best possible time. The product on the court is the best it’s ever been, the league is getting more exposure than ever, and attitudes have shifted, people recognize the WNBA as a premier sports league, not a niche sideshow. By 2029, who knows how much bigger it could be? It’s exciting to think that Detroit will be part of this next chapter of growth. We’ll get to develop our own rivalries (maybe Detroit vs. Chicago will become a marquee matchup, or rekindle that old Detroit vs. Los Angeles Sparks Finals magic). And perhaps we’ll even see Michigan’s own hoop stars make it to our WNBA roster, could a University of Michigan or Michigan State standout end up playing pro for Detroit, inspiring local youth? The possibilities are endless.
What It Means for Detroit (Beyond Basketball)
Bringing the WNBA back isn’t just about adding another logo to our sports lineup; it carries broader significance for the city and region. Culturally, it reinforces Detroit’s image as a place that supports women’s achievements and diversity in sports. Little girls growing up in Michigan can now dream of playing pro basketball without having to leave the state to do it. They can actually go to Little Caesars Arena in the summer and see women athletes at the top of their game, wearing “Detroit” across their chests. That kind of representation and inspiration is priceless. Governor Whitmer touched on this, saying Michigan was already a great sports state, “and now it’s even better for women and girls who always play hard and play to win”. The new team will no doubt ramp up youth interest in basketball; expect to see more girls signing up for local leagues and camps, and an overall boost to women’s sports programs in area schools.
There’s also a community unity aspect. Detroit has been through a lot of ups and downs, but sports have a unique way of bringing people together across all walks of life. A WNBA team is a community asset, something we can all rally behind in the summer, regardless of our background. Tickets to WNBA games tend to be affordable and very family-friendly, which means game nights could become a favorite outing for metro Detroit families (from the city, suburbs, and beyond). The team can also use its platform for community programs. WNBA players are often involved in local outreach, youth clinics, and advocacy. The Shock did this back in the day, and we can expect the new franchise to be just as embedded in charitable work and city events.
From a Metro Detroit real estate perspective, the team’s arrival and the accompanying developments signal confidence in Detroit’s continued resurgence. We’re seeing investment not just downtown but in a key piece of riverfront that has long been dormant. That can have a halo effect on nearby property values and catalyze improvements to infrastructure (streetscapes, transit connections, etc.). Plus, the visibility of a major sports project can draw attention from outside investors or visitors who maybe haven’t looked at Detroit in that light before. In recent years, we’ve already witnessed big projects like the QLine, new hotels, and office relocations betting on Detroit’s comeback. The WNBA expansion is another vote of confidence that Detroit is on the rise. It complements other revival stories, from tech startups moving into the city to new parks and arts initiatives.
Arn Tellem perhaps put it best: this is bigger than just a basketball team returning; it’s a recognition of all the positive momentum in Detroit. When the NBA Commissioner Adam Silver says “Detroit needs to get a WNBA team again”, it implies that Detroit’s progress and passionate fanbase make it a perfect fit for where the WNBA is headed. It’s a feel-good story nationally (the league “coming full circle” to a city that was there at the start), and it’s an even better story locally, symbolizing Detroit’s perseverance and community spirit.
Final Thoughts: Countdown to Tip-Off in 2029
Detroit has always been a basketball city, from the Bad Boys and Going to Work Pistons eras to the high school hoops legends and PSL championships. Adding a WNBA team back into the mix enriches that hoops culture even further. As we count down the months to the inaugural 2029 season, there’s a lot to look forward to. We’ll get a team name and branding (will they revive the Shock name or surprise us with something new? The owners say they’ll consult fans and do their homework on that). We’ll see a coach and general manager hired, players drafted or signed, and a roster built from scratch. It’s not often you get to witness the birth of a franchise, we’ll have front-row seats to that process.
Construction will likely get underway on the practice facility and youth sports complex, which in itself will be exciting to track. By the time the first home game happens at Little Caesars Arena, imagine the scene: Detroiters of all ages packing the house, cheering on our new team (perhaps even with Mason, the Pistons’ famous announcer, hyping up the crowd – one can hope!). There will be goosebump moments, the first player introductions, the national anthem, the opening tip, as we officially welcome women’s pro basketball back to the 313. Many fans will no doubt have flashbacks to the Shock days, but this will also be something fresh and new.
Most importantly, the return of the WNBA is a reminder that Detroit doesn’t give up on things it cares about. It may have taken 20 years, but our community’s passion for the women’s game never died. Now, with strong leadership and broad support, that passion is being rewarded. The stage is set for a thrilling new chapter in Detroit sports history, one that celebrates equality, community, and pure love of the game.
So, get ready, Detroit, in a few short years, the WNBA will be back in town, and we’ll all have another team to call our own. Between now and that first tip-off, keep an eye out for updates on the team name, schedule, and ticket info. And if you’re as excited as we are, start digging out your old Shock gear or teaching your kids about the legendary Bad Girls of ’03, because history is about to repeat itself, in the best way possible!
Want to be part of the excitement? Plan a trip downtown to see the developments taking shape, stroll along the RiverWalk near the Belle Isle bridge to envision where the new facility will rise, or catch a Pistons game at LCA to imagine how electric the arena will feel during a WNBA showdown. If you have questions about how this expansion might impact your neighborhood or opportunities in the area, reach out to a local expert. As a lifelong Michigander and Metro Detroit real estate specialist, I’m always here to chat about Detroit’s growth and community projects, from the housing market to new developments, and how you can get involved or benefit. Feel free to contact us for more insight into this story or for any advice on navigating the exciting changes happening in our region. Let’s celebrate this victory together and keep the momentum going for a stronger Detroit on and off the court!
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