significant move for women’s professional basketball, former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has spearheaded a bid to establish a WNBA expansion team in Nashville.he proposed franchise, named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of the legendary University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt, boasts an impressive ownership group that includes former Lady Vols star Candace Parker and Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.
ill Haslam, who currently serves as the chairman of the NHL’s Nashville Predators, leads the initiative alongside his wife, Crissy.he ownership team features prominent figures such as:
- Candace Parker: two-time WNBA MVP and three-time champion, Parker is deeply connected to Tennessee’s basketball legacy, having led the Lady Vols to consecutive national titles in 2007 and 2008 under Coach Summitt.eyond her illustrious playing career, Parker has been a vocal advocate for women’s sports and currently serves as an NBA analyst.he expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating, “Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for. I’m excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.”citeturn0news8
- Peyton Manning: enowned for his storied NFL career, Manning is also a University of Tennessee alumnus.is involvement underscores the deep-rooted sports culture in the state and brings significant attention to the bid.
- Tim McGraw and Faith Hill: he country music power couple adds a unique cultural dimension to the ownership group, highlighting Nashville’s rich musical heritage and its potential synergy with a new sports franchise. Honoring Pat Summitt’s Legacy
aming the team the Tennessee Summitt serves as a tribute to Pat Summitt’s monumental impact on women’s basketball.ver her 38-year coaching career, Summitt led the Lady Vols to eight national championships and became the winningest coach in Division I basketball history.er son, Tyler Summitt, endorsed the initiative, stating, “Mom would be so humbled and proud!
he proposed team aims to begin play in 2028, with home games at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, which also hosts the Predators.he bid includes plans to construct a dedicated practice facility that will double as a venue for youth basketball programs, emphasizing community engagement and the development of young talent.aslam highlighted the broader vision, 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 ..
he WNBA has announced plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028.ew franchises in Golden State, Portland, and Toronto are set to join the league in the next two seasons, bringing the total to 15 teams.he Tennessee Summitt, along with a bid from Cleveland announced in late 2024, are strong contenders for the coveted 16th spot
stablishing a WNBA team in Nashville is poised to have significant cultural and economic benefits.he city’s vibrant music scene, combined with its growing sports infrastructure, creates an ideal environment for a new franchise.he involvement of high-profile figures from sports and entertainment not only brings substantial financial backing but also ensures widespread visibility and support. andace Parker emphasized the importance of this initiative, reflecting on her personal connection to the state and Coach Summitt’s enduring legacy.n a heartfelt Instagram post, she shared, “This is a real pinch-me moment… If you know me, you know … WNBA today for a franchise to be …
he bid for the Tennessee Summitt represents more than just the addition of a new sports team; it symbolizes a commitment to honoring a storied legacy, promoting women’s athletics, and enriching the cultural fabric of Tennessee.ith a powerhouse ownership group and a clear vision for community engagement, the Tennessee Summitt is well-positioned to make a lasting impact on the WNBA and the broader sports landscape. Nashville Bids for WNBA Franchise with Star-Studde