The landscape of professional women’s basketball is on the brink of transformation, and at the center of this shift stands former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. With an ambitious vision, Haslam has launched a full-scale bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to Nashville. The name? The Tennessee Summitt — a nod not only to the state’s rich basketball tradition, but to one of the sport’s most legendary figures, the late Pat Summitt.
This is more than just a team. It’s a movement. A revival. And it has the potential to redefine how women’s basketball is seen, supported, and celebrated in the South.
A Legacy Reborn: The Power of the “Summitt” Name
Pat Summitt was more than a coach. She was an icon. Her name is etched in the annals of sports history with eight NCAA championships, 1,098 wins, and a legacy built on fierce discipline, compassion, and unmatched leadership. Naming Tennessee’s potential WNBA team after her isn’t just branding — it’s a profound statement.
The Tennessee Summitt is envisioned as a franchise rooted in honor and excellence, drawing strength from the example Summitt set at the University of Tennessee. Haslam’s decision to lead with that name signals not only reverence, but intent: this team will be bold, competitive, and community-driven.
The Mastermind: Bill Haslam’s Next Chapter
Bill Haslam has never been afraid of big ideas. As governor of Tennessee, he helped usher in reforms in education and infrastructure. But his latest leap from politics to pro sports could leave a legacy every bit as impactful.
Haslam, who will become the majority owner of the NHL’s Nashville Predators in July 2025, is expanding his sports portfolio and placing a firm bet on women’s basketball. With Nashville’s booming population, thriving tourism industry, and rapidly growing sports culture, the city is ripe for professional women’s hoops.
“I believe the time is now,” Haslam said during the official announcement of the bid. “Tennessee deserves a WNBA team that embodies the spirit and strength of the women who built this game.”
Star-Studded Ownership Group: A Dream Team in the Boardroom
The bid for the Summitt isn’t just a Haslam family affair. It includes an ownership and investor group stacked with Tennessee royalty and national sports icons:
- Candace Parker: Two-time WNBA MVP and Lady Vols legend.
- Peyton Manning: NFL Hall of Famer and longtime friend of Pat Summitt.
- Tim McGraw & Faith Hill: Country music’s power couple with deep Tennessee roots.
Each brings a unique layer of visibility, credibility, and connection. Parker, perhaps the most compelling name attached to the team, was emotional about the venture.
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without Pat Summitt,” Parker said. “To be part of something that honors her and grows the women’s game is a full-circle moment.”
Bridgestone Arena: A Powerhouse Home
The Tennessee Summitt will call Bridgestone Arena their home — the same downtown venue that hosts the Nashville Predators. The location is strategic: surrounded by bars, music venues, and foot traffic, it’s positioned perfectly to draw in new fans, locals, and tourists alike.
The Haslam-led group has pledged to build a state-of-the-art practice facility, separate from Bridgestone, which will also serve as a youth basketball hub. This dual-purpose site underscores the franchise’s commitment to development, community outreach, and long-term sustainability.
Nashville’s Moment: Why Now?
From the outside, Nashville might seem like an unexpected landing spot for a WNBA franchise. But to those paying attention, the city checks every box:
- Demographic Boom: One of the fastest-growing cities in America.
- Economic Vitality: Strong job market, infrastructure, and tourism revenue.
- Sports Culture: Titans (NFL), Predators (NHL), SC Nashville (MLS), and huge SEC fanbase presence.
- Basketball History: The state of Tennessee is synonymous with women’s basketball greatness.
Moreover, Nashville offers something more elusive — soul. The city loves its sports teams with a fervor, especially when those teams embrace the community. The Summitt will be built in that mold.
The WNBA’s Expansion Era: A Perfect Window
The WNBA has never been hotter. From record-breaking viewership and sold-out arenas to landmark sponsorships and new team announcements, the league is finally stepping into its long-overdue spotlight.
Golden State’s new team, the Valkyries, will launch in 2025. Toronto and Portland are next in 2026. By 2028, the WNBA plans to have 16 teams. Tennessee is vying for that final expansion slot — and their bid is a front-runner.
Still, competition is fierce. Cleveland, Philadelphia, Detroit, Charlotte, and Austin are all actively pursuing WNBA teams. Each city has unique advantages, but none possess the emotional magnetism that “Tennessee Summitt” wields.
The Community Mission: More Than Wins
The Tennessee Summitt aims to become more than a professional basketball team. It wants to be a pillar of the Nashville community. Through clinics, scholarships, mentorship programs, and public service partnerships, the team plans to weave itself into the fabric of the city.
Youth sports development, especially for girls in underserved areas, will be a cornerstone initiative. Parker is expected to lead efforts to launch leadership academies, combining basketball training with education and empowerment.
As Parker noted, “It’s about legacy. Not just winning games, but changing lives.”
The Cultural Impact: Representation and Inspiration
Having a WNBA team in Tennessee doesn’t just bolster the league—it reaffirms the South’s place in women’s basketball history. For decades, players from the region have starred on the NCAA stage. Now, young girls growing up in Memphis, Knoxville, or Chattanooga will have pros in their backyard to idolize.
The Summitt also reshapes the narrative of sports ownership. It represents a coalition of women, athletes, entertainers, and community leaders coming together with shared values: respect, equity, excellence.
It’s the type of franchise that could quickly become a model for the rest of the league.
Challenges Ahead: Market Saturation and Timing
The path won’t be without challenges. Nashville’s sports calendar is already crowded. Add in concerts, festivals, and college events, and securing media attention could require strategic coordination.
There’s also the broader challenge of maintaining momentum in women’s sports, especially post-Olympics and after Caitlin Clark’s graduation from Iowa—a player who sparked national interest. The Summitt will need star power, consistent branding, and smart marketing to capitalize on the boom.
What If They Don’t Win the Bid?
Haslam has already hinted that if Tennessee doesn’t land the 2028 expansion team, they’ll remain in pursuit—either by joining the next expansion cycle or potentially purchasing a struggling franchise. One way or another, the group is determined to bring the WNBA to Tennessee.
“This isn’t a one-and-done idea,” Haslam said. “It’s a commitment.”
Final Thoughts: A Franchise with a Soul
The Tennessee Summitt isn’t just a new team name. It’s a movement fueled by memory, driven by purpose, and rooted in legacy. In an era where sports increasingly intersect with culture, business, and social responsibility, this franchise has the potential to become a lighthouse for the WNBA.
From honoring Pat Summitt’s indelible mark on the sport to empowering the next generation of players and fans, this isn’t merely a basketball team being built — it’s a legacy being continued.
If Haslam’s bid succeeds, Tennessee won’t just be joining the WNBA. They’ll be raising the bar for what a professional franchise can mean to its city, its fans, and the sport at large.
And in true Pat Summitt fashion, they’ll be doing it with courage, conviction, and class.
