DETROIT – The WNBA announced Monday that Detroit will be getting a team for the 2029 season.
The announcement sets forth the WNBA’s return to Detroit. The Detroit Shock were one of the first expansion teams in the WNBA, established in 1996. From 1998 to 2009 the Shock won three titles and were No. 1 in attendance for three straight seasons.
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The new team is set to play its games at the Little Ceasers Arena and plans to initiate a comprehensive facilities strategy are underway. The team is expected to utilize a combination of new and current facilities to service not only the team but its players and the community. The new team is set to play its games at the Little Ceasers Arena bringing another 22-plus sporting event to the city each year.
The development will also include a publicly accessible sports center that will support the formation of a youth development academy. Including public-facing youth basketball courts, volleyball courts, and multi-purpose fields for soccer, football and lacrosse, complete with spectator seating.
Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, and his wife, Holly Gores, have been awarded an expansion franchise subject to the WNBA and NBA Boards of Governors approval. The Gores-led ownership group is comprised of equity investors across sports, business, entertainment, media and finance.
“Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and championship tradition,“ said Gores. “We’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights.”
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also relished on the new from the WNBA, showing support for the WNBA return to the city.
“This has been a long time coming, and I’m grateful to everyone who worked so hard to get it done. Michiganders are fiercely loyal to all our teams, and we look forward to cheering on women’s basketball not just in the Motor City, but across the entire state of Michigan,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Illitch Companies CEO Chris Ilitch both expressed excitement for the addition of a WNBA team in Detroit.
“Today’s announcement by the WNBA is a big win for Detroit and further solidifies its role as one of the greatest sports towns anywhere,” said Duggan.
“Bringing a WNBA team to Detroit is a huge win for the city and fans across the region. This team will join an incredibly diverse lineup of sports and entertainment offered at Little Ceasers Arena,” said Ilitch.
For more information on WNBA Detroit visit www.detroitwnba.com.