In a significant move for women’s professional basketball, former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has spearheaded a bid to establish a WNBA franchise in Nashville. The proposed team, named the “Tennessee Summitt” in honor of the late legendary coach Pat Summitt, boasts an impressive ownership group that includes basketball star Candace Parker, NFL icon Peyton Manning, and renowned musicians Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
The initiative aims to have the Tennessee Summitt begin play in 2028, with home games hosted at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, which currently serves as the venue for the NHL’s Nashville Predators. Plans also include the construction of a dedicated practice facility that will double as a hub for youth basketball development in the community.
Candace Parker, a two-time NCAA champion under Coach Summitt at the University of Tennessee, expressed profound enthusiasm for the project. She emphasized Tennessee’s foundational role in women’s basketball, stating, “Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for.” Parker also highlighted the personal significance of honoring her former coach through this endeavor.
Peyton Manning, who achieved legendary status as a quarterback at the University of Tennessee before his illustrious NFL career, brings both his star power and deep-rooted connection to the state to the ownership group. His involvement underscores the bid’s strong ties to Tennessee’s rich sports heritage.
The choice to name the team the “Tennessee Summitt” serves as a tribute to Pat Summitt’s unparalleled legacy in women’s basketball. Over her 38-year tenure with the Lady Vols, Summitt secured eight national championships and became the winningest coach in Division I basketball history. Her son, Tyler Summitt, endorsed the naming, expressing that his mother would be “proud and honored to be included in the expansion of women’s professional basketball into Tennessee.”
Bill Haslam, who began acquiring a majority stake in the Nashville Predators in 2022, emphasized the broader vision behind the bid. He noted the global emergence of women’s professional sports and identified a “void” that the Tennessee Summitt could fill. Haslam stated, “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 … .”
The WNBA has outlined plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028. New franchises in Golden State, Portland, and Toronto are set to join the league in the next two seasons, bringing the total to 15 teams. The Tennessee Summitt aims to secure the 16th spot, with other cities like Cleveland also vying for inclusion.
The Nashville bid is distinguished by its deep connections to Tennessee’s sports and cultural icons, as well as its commitment to honoring Pat Summitt’s enduring legacy. The inclusion of figures like Parker and Manning not only brings star power but also underscores the state’s rich athletic history.
The proposed practice facility is envisioned as more than just a training ground for the team; it aims to serve as a community center that fosters youth engagement in basketball. This dual-purpose approach reflects the ownership group’s dedication to grassroots sports development and community involvement.
As the WNBA evaluates expansion bids, the Tennessee Summitt’s proposal stands out for its blend of honoring historical figures, leveraging local star power, and committing to community development. If successful, the franchise would not only enhance the WNBA’s footprint but also solidify Nashville’s position as a burgeoning hub for professional sports.
In summary, the bid to establish the Tennessee Summitt represents a multifaceted effort to enrich Nashville’s sports landscape, honor a coaching legend, and inspire future generations of female athletes. With a star-studded ownership group and a clear vision for community engagement, the proposed franchise holds the promise of becoming a cherished institution in both the WNBA and the state of Tennessee.