Nashville’s Star-Studded Group Submits Bid for WNBA Expansion Team

A wave of enthusiasm is sweeping through the world of women’s professional basketball as Nashville’s powerhouse ownership group has officially placed a bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to the Music City. This bold move brings together some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment, combining the star power of legends across multiple fields to create a potential game-changing franchise.

Behind the Bid: A Who’s Who of Legends

The group behind this exciting bid is nothing short of remarkable, featuring an impressive blend of sports icons, business moguls, and entertainment stars. Leading the charge is Bill Haslam, former governor of Tennessee, who is set to be the proposed majority owner. Alongside him is his wife, Crissy Haslam, along with a star-studded lineup of investors, including NFL legend Peyton Manning, WNBA icon Candace Parker, and country music power couple Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Their combined influence, deep-rooted passion for basketball, and strong ties to Tennessee make them an exceptional team, poised to shape the future of women’s professional sports in the region. Crissy Haslam shared her vision for the team, stating, “This is a team for all of Tennessee. We want to inspire families and fans across the state and encourage them to support the future of women’s sports.” The group aims not just to create a competitive team but to establish a strong community presence that spreads messages of empowerment and excellence.

The Venue: Bridge-stone Arena

The Tennessee Sum-mitt has big plans for its home court, with Bridge-stone Arena, the home of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, chosen as the venue for their games. This state-of-the-art arena, renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and large seating capacity, will be the perfect setting to showcase this new chapter in Nashville’s sports history. It’s the ideal space to energize fans and provide a top-tier environment for the team.

Honoring Pat Summitt’s Legacy

A standout feature of the bid is the team’s name: Tennessee Sum-mitt. This tribute to Pat Summitt is more than just a nod to her incredible coaching career, it is a reflection of her lasting influence on the sport and the lives of countless athletes. Candace Parker, reflecting on the name, expressed how Summitt’s teachings shaped her life, stating, “Pat taught us that greatness is a daily pursuit.” For Parker and many others, the Tennessee Sum-mitt represents much more than basketball—it’s a celebration of Sum-mitt’s legacy and a movement for future generations of female athletes.

The WNBA’s Future: Expansion on the Horizon

The bid comes at a pivotal moment for the WNBA, which is actively expanding and aiming to add a 16th team by 2028. Cities like Cleveland, Golden State, Portland, and Toronto are also vying for a spot, but Nashville’s growing sports culture and passionate fan base make it a prime contender for this expansion. With a history of success from teams like the Nashville Predators and Tennessee Titans, a WNBA franchise would naturally complement the city’s flourishing sports scene. As Nashville’s sports profile continues to rise, a WNBA team would further solidify the city as a leader in supporting women’s sports. This expansion not only brings a competitive new team to the league but also highlights Nashville’s commitment to advancing the cause of gender equality in sports.

What’s Next?

Now that Nashville has submitted its bid, the WNBA’s board of governors will review the proposals and make a decision in the near future. If the Tennessee Summitt is selected, it will mark a historic milestone for both the city and the league, offering new opportunities for female athletes and boosting visibility for women’s sports. For now, all eyes are on Nashville as the city prepares to potentially welcome its newest team and usher in a new era of women’s professional basketball.

Nashville’s star-studded group, including Peyton Manning and Candace Parker, submits a bid for a WNBA expansion team, honoring coach Pat Sum-mitt’s legacy.