Tennessee’s New WNBA Team, the “Tennessee Summitt,” Is Set to Revolutionize Women’s Basketball
In a moment poised to reshape the future of women’s basketball, a powerful new franchise is preparing to join the WNBA. The “Tennessee Summitt,” a team named in honor of legendary University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt, has emerged from a deep-rooted tradition in women’s sports, combining a strong legacy with a modern vision. With the backing of an all-star investor group, a growing women’s basketball market, and the energy of one of America’s most dynamic cities, this team is being positioned as more than just a sports franchise—it’s a cultural movement.
The announcement of the proposed Tennessee Summitt has ignited excitement across the sports world, especially in Tennessee, where Pat Summitt became a household name through decades of unparalleled success with the Lady Volunteers. Summitt’s coaching career, marked by 1,098 wins and eight NCAA championships, transformed the landscape of women’s collegiate athletics. Her impact extended far beyond the basketball court, influencing generations of players, coaches, and fans. The naming of the new team after her is more than symbolic; it’s a direct link to a legacy built on discipline, empowerment, and excellence.
The effort to bring a WNBA team to Nashville has been led by former Tennessee Governor and incoming Nashville Predators chairman Bill Haslam, alongside his wife Crissy Haslam. Their leadership represents a strategic blend of public service, business acumen, and a deep-rooted love for Tennessee. What makes this bid particularly powerful is the diversity and prominence of its investor group. It includes three-time WNBA champion and former Lady Vols star Candace Parker, NFL Hall of Famer and University of Tennessee alum Peyton Manning, and country music icons Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. Each brings not only financial investment but also deep personal ties to the state and a public profile that will help the franchise reach a national and even global audience.
Candace Parker, one of Pat Summitt’s most famous protégés, has expressed her emotional connection to the team’s formation. Calling the moment “surreal,” she acknowledged how Pat Summitt’s values shaped her career and life. Parker’s involvement isn’t just ceremonial; she intends to help design the team’s organizational culture and ensure that it mirrors the values that made the Lady Vols program iconic: toughness, unity, education, and integrity. Her presence lends both legitimacy and inspiration to the new venture, and her ongoing influence in the game provides a direct bridge between the WNBA’s future and its roots.
Peyton Manning, who starred at the University of Tennessee before becoming an NFL legend, lends credibility and strategic insight to the ownership group. Through his Omaha Productions company, Manning also brings experience in content creation and brand building. His voice and reach could help elevate the Tennessee Summitt far beyond the hardwood, integrating sports media and fan engagement into the team’s foundational identity. With Manning’s input, the team is expected to focus heavily on storytelling, youth engagement, and community impact.
Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, deeply tied to Nashville’s cultural scene, add a dynamic entertainment angle to the franchise. Their participation hints at how the team will integrate into the broader cultural fabric of the city, blending music, sport, and Southern identity. Their reach and influence can help attract fans from all backgrounds and expand the team’s impact well beyond sports enthusiasts.
The Tennessee Summitt is expected to begin play in the 2028 WNBA season, using Bridgestone Arena as its home venue. The arena, which also hosts the NHL’s Nashville Predators, is already equipped to deliver a high-end fan experience. The plan also includes developing a state-of-the-art training facility that doubles as a community hub and youth development center. The team’s leadership has expressed a clear vision for extending its influence across the state, including partnerships and events in cities like Knoxville, Memphis, and Clarksville. This approach reflects an understanding that the Summitt’s legacy isn’t just about Nashville—it’s about the entire state’s connection to women’s basketball.
One of the most revolutionary aspects of the Tennessee Summitt’s proposal is its commitment to private investment. At a time when many new stadiums and teams seek public funding, the Summitt ownership group has pledged to operate without requesting taxpayer dollars. This positions the team as a model of financially responsible expansion while building goodwill with fans and residents. Their model also draws inspiration from the Predators’ fan-first approach, which emphasizes community interaction, youth outreach, and inclusive access.
As women’s basketball continues its meteoric rise, the timing of this team’s launch could not be more strategic. The WNBA is in a rapid expansion phase, with the Golden State Valkyries entering the league in 2025, followed by Toronto and Portland in 2026. Tennessee aims to be the league’s 16th franchise. With rising viewership numbers, increasing player visibility, and historic growth in women’s college basketball, particularly around stars like Caitlin Clark, the market is primed for new teams that reflect the modern WNBA: bold, visible, and unapologetically elite.
The inclusion of the Summitt name brings a profound emotional resonance. Pat Summitt was more than a coach; she was a pioneer. Her dedication to education, character, and excellence set her apart in the sports world. Her name evokes the highest standards in women’s athletics. Tyler Summitt, Pat’s son, has publicly endorsed the team, saying she would be “proud and honored” by the tribute. It’s a powerful reminder that this team is rooted in something far deeper than branding—it’s about carrying forward a set of values that helped change the game.
Critically, the Tennessee Summitt also aims to foster equity and representation for women in sports at every level—from ownership to coaching to youth development. With Candace Parker playing a central leadership role, the team is likely to become a hub for mentorship and innovation. The organization’s approach is not just to put a competitive team on the floor but to build a franchise that drives cultural progress. Plans include hosting clinics, supporting women coaches, and investing in female-led business partnerships. In doing so, the Summitt hopes to provide a blueprint for how modern sports franchises can promote inclusion and equity in tangible ways.
Of course, launching a new franchise comes with challenges. The WNBA’s expansion fee is rising rapidly—reportedly as high as $125 million for Portland’s upcoming team. The Tennessee Summitt ownership group will need to demonstrate strong financial preparedness and organizational capability to navigate the complex logistics of expansion, including hiring staff, scouting players, managing media relations, and launching successful fan engagement campaigns. Competition for a WNBA expansion team is also intensifying, with other cities like Cleveland, Philadelphia, and Austin vying for a spot. But the Summitt bid stands out for its combination of sports pedigree, cultural resonance, and business strategy.
There is also the matter of performance. While much of the initial focus will be on the symbolic and cultural significance of the team, fans will expect the franchise to be competitive. As the expansion draft approaches and player negotiations begin, the team will need to balance long-term development with immediate impact. With Candace Parker’s experience and connections, along with the guidance of seasoned sports executives, the Summitt is expected to attract top talent both on and off the court.
Perhaps most importantly, the Tennessee Summitt represents a chance to unify Tennessee’s deep passion for basketball into a professional outlet that reflects its values. From the raucous support of Lady Vols fans to the high school gyms where girls across the state dream of going pro, this team can offer not just inspiration, but access, representation, and pride. It will be a team born not only of legacy, but of vision—a vision of what women’s sports can be when fully supported by a community that cares.
In the end, the Tennessee Summitt is about more than wins and championships. It’s about telling a new story—one that honors the past while blazing a trail for the future. It’s about showing that women’s basketball, when rooted in legacy and lifted by innovation, can be a force that transcends sport. With a powerful name, a superstar ownership group, a passionate fanbase, and impeccable timing, the Tennessee Summitt is set to revolutionize women’s basketball—not just in Tennessee, but across the country. The legacy of Pat Summitt lives on, and with it, a new chapter begins.
