The WNBA’s latest expansion news has left many in Tennessee disappointed. A bid to bring a new franchise to Nashville to honour the Coach did not make the cut. The league instead chose three other cities for its next round of growth.
Fans in Tennessee hoped to see the state’s rich basketball history reflected with a team that would carry the Coach’s legacy forward. But as the league grows fast, the project remains on hold. The decision calls into question the WNBA’s priorities and future plans.
WNBA Chooses Different Cities Over Pat Summit-Inspired Bid
Earlier this year, the push to add a WNBA team in Nashville gained strong support. The Haslams led the charge, promising a new home for women’s basketball in the state. They planned for the team to play inside Bridgestone Arena and build a world-class practice facility.
“Crissy and I are v͏ery pleased ͏to lead this ͏effort to brin͏g a WNBA t͏eam to the city of Nashville͏ and͏ the state of ͏Tennessee….He stressed th͏at a team in Nashville͏ would “serv͏e as a beac͏on for girls and women, young and ol͏d, across Ten͏nessee.”
The bid also featured big names like Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Peyton Manning, and Candace Parker. Parker, a former Lady Vols star under Summitt, praised the idea.
“Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for….excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.” (via tennessee.rivals)
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Despite these efforts, the WNBA went to other cities. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert named Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia as the next homes for new teams.
Expansion Shows Growth But Leaves Questions For Tennessee
The league’s choice highlights its big-picture plan. The WNBA wants to grow fast while fan interest soars. Engelbert noted that the new owners in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia share this vision. She called the expansion “a powerful reflection of our league’s extraordinary momentum.”
Still, many Tennessee fans feel left out. The proposed Nashville team promised more than games. Plans called for community outreach and youth basketball programs.
Pat Summitt’s legacy shaped women’s basketball like few others. Leaving Tennessee out of the expansion plans seems like a missed chance to celebrate that legacy. While the league eyes new cities, the dream for a “Tennessee Summitt” will have to wait. The next question is when, if ever, Tennessee will get its long-awaited WNBA team.