Honoring Nashville & WNBA Legend: Cierra Burdick’s Mission to Bring a Pro Franchise to Music City

From Lady Vols to the WNBA and Beyond

Few names in women’s basketball carry the weight and influence of Cierra Burdick. From her days as a standout forward for the Tennessee Lady Vols to her success in the WNBA and on the international stage, Burdick has built a career that embodies excellence, leadership, and passion for the game.

But her story isn’t just about personal accolades—it’s about legacy.

Now, the former WNBA veteran and Olympic medalist is setting her sights on an even greater goal: bringing a professional women’s basketball franchise to Nashville. And for Burdick, this mission is about more than just growing the sport—it’s about honoring the greatest coach in women’s basketball history, Pat Summitt.

Pat Summitt’s Lasting Impact on Burdick’s Career

No matter where basketball has taken her, Cierra Burdick has never forgotten her roots. She credits much of her success to her time at Tennessee, where she played under the legendary Pat Summitt—the winningest coach in Division I women’s basketball history at the time of her retirement.

Burdick often speaks about how Summitt’s influence extended far beyond the court, shaping not just the way she played, but the way she lived her life.

“Pat Summitt wasn’t just a coach—she was a mentor, a leader, and a second mother to all of us. She pushed me to be better every single day, not just as a player, but as a person. She made me believe in myself in ways I never thought possible.”

Summitt’s legendary “Definite Dozen” principles—emphasizing discipline, responsibility, and integrity—became guiding forces in Burdick’s life. Even after transitioning to the WNBA, overseas play, and representing Team USA, Burdick has carried those values with her every step of the way.

Now, she wants to pay it forward—not just by growing the game, but by ensuring that Pat Summitt’s legacy remains front and center in the basketball world.

Bringing a WNBA Franchise to Nashville: The Vision

The WNBA has been rapidly expanding, with new franchises emerging in recent years. As the league continues to grow in popularity, Nashville has become an attractive location for a potential expansion team.

For Burdick, bringing a WNBA franchise to Music City is about more than just basketball—it’s about cementing Tennessee’s place as a hub for women’s sports and, most importantly, paying tribute to Pat Summitt’s legacy.

Why Nashville?

Nashville has already proven itself as a thriving sports city, with teams like the Tennessee Titans (NFL), Nashville Predators (NHL), and Nashville SC (MLS) all enjoying strong fan support. The city has also embraced women’s sports, with huge crowds at college basketball games and strong grassroots programs developing future talent.

Additionally, Tennessee has a rich history of women’s basketball, thanks in large part to Summitt’s success at the University of Tennessee. Her impact is still felt across the state, with generations of young girls growing up wanting to wear Lady Vol orange.

Burdick believes Nashville’s passionate sports culture and deep ties to women’s basketball make it the perfect place for a WNBA expansion team.

“We have the fan base, we have the infrastructure, and we have the history. Nashville deserves a WNBA team, and I want to help make that happen.”

Honoring Pat Summitt Through a Franchise

Burdick has made it clear that if a WNBA team comes to Nashville, it will be built in Pat Summitt’s image. She envisions a franchise that:

• Embodies Summitt’s core values of discipline, leadership, and community involvement
• Prioritizes women’s empowerment, both on and off the court
• Partners with local initiatives to promote youth basketball and education

There’s even been talk of naming the team after Summitt in some way, whether that means incorporating her name or using symbols that represent her legacy (such as “The Summit” as the arena name or team branding inspired by Tennessee traditions).

While nothing is official yet, Burdick and a group of Nashville business leaders are actively working on a proposal to bring a WNBA team to the city.

Burdick’s Ongoing Commitment to Growing the Game

Even beyond her WNBA aspirations for Nashville, Cierra Burdick has been a tireless advocate for women’s basketball and equality in sports.

1. Grassroots Involvement

Burdick has been heavily involved in mentorship programs, youth basketball camps, and leadership initiatives for young female athletes. She understands that growing the game starts at the grassroots level, and she’s committed to ensuring the next generation has the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

2. Player Advocacy & Business Ventures

She has also been vocal about player rights and increasing opportunities for women in professional sports. Whether it’s pushing for better salaries, more exposure, or improved facilities, Burdick is using her voice to advocate for the future of the WNBA and women’s basketball as a whole.

3. Tennessee’s Lasting Basketball Legacy

Beyond her personal efforts, Burdick remains connected to the Tennessee basketball family, frequently returning to Knoxville to support the Lady Vols and ensuring that Pat Summitt’s legacy remains alive for future generations.

“Everything I do in this game is to honor those who came before me—Pat Summitt, the Lady Vol legends, and all the pioneers who made this possible. If we don’t continue building on that legacy, who will?”

What’s Next?

With the WNBA’s expansion plans gaining momentum, Nashville is becoming an increasingly realistic option for a future team. Burdick and other key figures continue to push forward, working with investors and city officials to make their vision a reality.

If successful, a WNBA team in Nashville wouldn’t just be a win for the city—it would be a win for women’s basketball and for Pat Summitt’s enduring legacy.

And if anyone is fit to lead that charge, it’s Cierra Burdick.

She’s already cemented her own legacy on the court. Now, she’s working to create something even bigger—something that will impact generations to come.

The question isn’t if a WNBA team will come to Nashville—it’s when.

And when that day comes, it will be because of trailblazers like Cierra Burdick, who refuse to let the dream die.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy Worth Fighting For

Cierra Burdick is more than an athlete—she’s a leader, an activist, and a woman on a mission.

Her journey from Lady Vol legend to WNBA standout to advocate for women’s sports is a testament to her unwavering commitment to growing the game she loves.

Bringing a WNBA team to Nashville isn’t just a dream—it’s a way to honor the past while building for the future.

And if there’s one thing Pat Summitt taught us, it’s that dreams, when pursued with passion and purpose, become reality.