Nashville Bids for WNBA Franchise with Star-Studded Investor Group

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Nashville Bids for WNBA Franchise with Star-Studded Investor Group

Nashville has officially submitted a bid for a WNBA expansion franchise, backed by a powerhouse investor group including Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill.

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Nashville has officially entered the race to secure a WNBA expansion franchise, backed by a star-studded investor group that includes former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, WNBA legend Candace Parker, NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, and country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. The proposed team, named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of the late, legendary University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt, aims to begin play in 2028 at Nashville's Bridgestone Arena.

Investor Group and Vision

Leading the initiative is Bill Haslam, who, along with his wife Crissy, envisions the franchise as a beacon for women's sports in Tennessee. Haslam emphasized the potential impact, stating, "We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow."

Candace Parker, a two-time NCAA champion under Coach Summitt and three-time WNBA champion, expressed her deep connection to Tennessee and the significance of the endeavor. She remarked, "Tennessee is the DNA of everything women's basketball ... . I'm excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA ... the state and honor Coach Summitt's legacy."

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Honoring Pat Summitt

The team's proposed name, the Tennessee Summitt, pays tribute to Pat Summitt's unparalleled contributions to women's basketball. Summitt, who passed away in 2016, led the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers to eight national championships and is remembered as a trailblazer in the sport. Her son, Tyler Summitt, voiced his support, stating, "I know she would be proud and ... ."

Future Plans and WNBA Expansion

The Nashville bid includes plans for a dedicated practice facility that would also serve local youth basketball programs, further embedding the team within the community. The WNBA has announced intentions to expand to 16 teams by 2028, with new franchises in Golden State, Portland, and Toronto set to join in the next two seasons. Nashville's proposal positions it as a strong contender for the league's continued growth.

As the WNBA evaluates expansion opportunities, Nashville's rich basketball heritage and the high-profile support behind the Tennessee Summitt bid underscore the city's readiness to embrace a professional women's basketball team.