Eminem Boosts Detroit’s Bid to Reclaim WNBA Franchise

Detroit may soon reclaim its place in the WNBA, with a significant boost from one of its most iconic native sons ,Eminem.

According to Sportico, the legendary rapper Eminem has reportedly joined a potential ownership group, led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, that is bidding to bring a WNBA franchise back to the Motor City.This development represents a significant step forward for Detroit’s potential reentry into the league, with plans for the team to play at Little Caesars Arena.

The move signals a new chapter for Detroit as a WNBA city, and if the bid is approved, it could mean a professional women’s basketball team will call Detroit home in the near future.The WNBA has been undergoing a period of expansion, with the league initially planning to add one new team in the coming years.

However, recent reports suggest the league may expand by as many as three teams, potentially welcoming Detroit back into the fold of the premier women’s basketball league. Before this expansion round, the WNBA already had plans to add teams in San Francisco, Toronto, and Portland, all of which are slated to begin play in the 2025 season.

While the exact bid amount from Detroit’s group remains undisclosed, sources indicate that other bids have reached amounts “well into the nine figures.” The deadline for bids closed at the end of January, with other cities like Austin, Charlotte, Cleveland, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Nashville, and Philadelphia submitting their proposals. Currently, the average WNBA franchise is valued at around $96 million, with the Las Vegas Aces leading the league with a valuation of $140 million.

The ownership group backing Detroit’s bid includes several high-profile figures, such as Sheila Ford Hamp, Denise Ilitch, and Arn Tellem. This group also boasts former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, Lions quarterback Jared Goff, Mary Barra, sports investor Roger Ehrenberg, and Steve Jbara. Given the prominence of these figures, Detroit is poised to be a strong contender in the current expansion round.

Should the bid be approved, this wouldn’t be the first time Detroit has seen a professional women’s basketball team. The Detroit Shock entered the WNBA in 1998 as part of the league’s first expansion wave. The team found immediate success, winning three WNBA championships within its first decade. However, in 2009, the Shock was relocated to Oklahoma and became the Tulsa Shock, before eventually moving to Dallas, where it became the Dallas Wings.

Eminem’s involvement in this new bid is a significant development in his growing relationship with Detroit’s sports teams. The rapper, known for his deep ties to the city, has frequently shown up at Detroit Lions games and celebrations, fueling renewed hope among the city’s passionate sports fans. His participation in the WNBA bid further cements his status as a key figure in Detroit’s revitalization, not only in the music world but also in its sports culture.

As the WNBA’s expansion period continues, all eyes will be on Detroit as it fights to bring professional women’s basketball back to its sports-loving fans. If successful, this would mark an exciting new chapter for both the city and the league.