The WNBA is expanding, and among the groups vying for a spot is a Detroit collective group led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores that features Chris Webber and Grant Hill, both of whom played in Detroit during their Hall of Fame careers.
“This is an exciting opportunity to welcome the WNBA back to Detroit and bring additional investment and economic activity into the city,” Gores said in a written statement.
“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. No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground.”
Others
involved in the investment group include principal owner and Chair of the Detroit Lions, Sheila Ford Hamp and her husband, Steve, chairman of the Michigan Education Excellence Foundation and New Economy Initiative; CEO and chair of the General Motors Company, Mary Barra and her husband, Tony; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen; Arn and Nancy Tellem.If awarded a franchise, the team will play its games at Little Caesars Arena.
Detroit was home to the Detroit Shock from 1998 to 2009. The team won three championships before relocating to Tulsa. The Tulsa Shock then relocated to Texas in 2016 and now play in Arlington as the Dallas Wings.
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