Detroit, alongside Cleveland and Philadelphia, has been selected for expansion teams in the WNBA, with the Motor City slated to return to the league in 2029.
The new women's team will call Little Caesars Arena home, sharing the venue with the NBA's Detroit Pistons. Plans include the construction of a dedicated practice facility to support the team’s development.
Tom Gores, owner of the Pistons, leads the majority ownership group. Notable minority owners include former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, along with NFL quarterback Jared Goff. Gores submitted the expansion bid in January, signaling a strong commitment to reviving basketball in Detroit.
"This is more than just a basketball team returning; it symbolizes the ongoing revitalization of our city," said Arn Tellem, vice chairman of the Pistons. "We anticipate a significant economic impact as well." His comments reflect a broader vision for the franchise's role in the community.
Detroit's history with the WNBA dates back to 1996 when it was first awarded a franchise. The Detroit Shock played from 1998 until 2009 before relocating to Tulsa and later Dallas.
"Detroit is a sports town that loves its teams deeply and consistently shows up with unwavering passion," Gores remarked during the announcement. "At a critical moment in the growth and development of the WNBA, it supported the hometown team more than any other franchise in the league. We're here to rekindle that legacy."
Cleveland will re-enter the league in 2028 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, home of the Cavaliers, under majority ownership of Dan Gilbert. This city also has a history with the WNBA.
Philadelphia is set to join in 2030, with plans for a new arena in downtown. Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, will lead the majority ownership for this franchise, marking Philadelphia's first foray into hosting a WNBA team.
As these cities prepare for their new teams, excitement builds for the return of women's professional basketball to regions with rich sports traditions.
