Many cities are hoping to land a WNBA team as league expansion continues. In 2024, there were only 12 teams in the league. By 2026, however, the WNBA will feature 15 teams. The Golden State Valkyries are set to make their debut in 2025, while the Toronto Tempo and a Portland team will join the league for the 2026 campaign. The city of Detroit is hoping to land the 16th WNBA team, according to ESPN.
Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores reportedly submitted a bid on Thursday.
"For the WNBA this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming," Gores said, via ESPN. "No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground."
Detroit is joined by a number of other cities that are seeking a team in the WNBA. Nashville, Houston and Miami are just a few possible locations. Detroit, though, has valuable experience in the WNBA, as the Detroit Shock previously played in the league.
The Shock are now the Dallas Wings, though. Once the Shock left the city, there were questions as to whether or not the WNBA would ever return to Detroit. Gores clearly wants to make it happen.
WNBA expansion continues
The WNBA has seen immense growth over the past couple of years. It set no shortage of attendance records in 2024. The league is in a tremendous spot, and growth should continue. With that being said, it is certainly not surprising to see so many cities looking to add a team in the league.
Perhaps at some point down the road expansion will allow even more cities to land a franchise. For now, the league will probably proceed with caution. Adding a 16th team soon makes sense, but they may wait before discussing a 17th and 18th team. Anything can happen, though.
So will Detroit's bid be successful? It remains to be seen, but the WNBA should seriously consider the possibility. Detroit is a great city for sports, and a WNBA franchise could be successful in the city.
For now, the WNBA will consider all of its options. Again, there are multiple cities to consider as the league looks for its 16th team. Only time will tell whether or not it will be Detroit that ends up earning the WNBA's 16th franchise.