Tennessee is riding a wave of excitement as Nashville prepares to become the next host for a WNBA franchise, proudly bearing the name Tennessee Summitt—a shout‑out to Pat Summitt, the legendary University of Tennessee coach. The announcement has rippled through the basketball world, marking a major moment in women’s sports, and it’s stirring hope, pride, and anticipation across the Volunteer State.
At the heart of this initiative is a powerhouse ownership group led by Bill and Crissy Haslam. Bill, former Tennessee governor and current majority owner of the Nashville Predators, is no stranger to large-scale sports franchises. Yet it’s the figures alongside him who truly elevate the bid: former Lady Vol standout and two-time WNBA champion Candace Parker, football icon Peyton Manning, and country music royalty Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. These aren’t just celebrities lending names—they’re passionate trailblazers, each with deep ties to Tennessee and women’s sports. Nashville’s bid is privately financed, so there’s no reliance on taxpayer money—an important point as the team prepares to play at Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators frontofficesports.com+15espn.com+15apnews.com+15.
Candace Parker’s involvement brings a compelling personal element. Parker, who won two NCAA titles at Tennessee under Summitt before enjoying a stellar WNBA career, described the moment as “a real pinch‑me moment.” She said, “If you know me, you know how important and impactful Coach Summitt IS on my life. Coach makes me the best version of myself as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, teammate, and person.” That deep emotional bond fuels her commitment essence.com+4reuters.com+4apnews.com+4. Her words echo a sentiment shared by many in Tennessee and beyond—that this franchise is more than a business; it’s a living tribute.
Pat Summitt’s monumental legacy underpins the team’s identity. Hired at just 22 in 1974, Summitt went on to win eight national championships over 38 seasons at Tennessee, retiring in 2012 with a record of 1,098–208 and 18 Final Four appearances apnews.com+2espn.com+2apnews.com+2. Her legacy extends beyond wins—she shattered barriers, mentored generations of athletes like Parker, and transformed women’s basketball nationwide. Summitt passed away in 2016, but her influence remains profound. Naming a WNBA team after her is both symbolic and substantive, cementing her place in the fabric of women’s sports.
Filling the WNBA’s 16th spot in 2028 is more than symbolic—it’s strategic. The league is amid a momentum surge thanks to rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, record-breaking viewership, and growing cultural relevance theallstate.org+6essence.com+6apnews.com+6axios.com+1espn.com+1. Recently, the WNBA welcomed expansion teams in Golden State, Portland, and Toronto, pushing the league to 15 teams. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has confirmed the plan to crown it a 16-team league by 2028 blackburn.senate.gov+6espn.com+6apnews.com+6. Nashville is vying with other hopefuls like Cleveland, Detroit, Philadelphia, Houston, and more apnews.com+2frontofficesports.com+2swishappeal.com+2.
Nashville offers the WNBA a vibrant, growing market. With over 16 million annual visitors, Bridgestone Arena’s central downtown locale helps draw in residents and tourists alike apnews.com+14blackburn.senate.gov+14essence.com+14. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty have voiced strong support, labelling Nashville “a cultural Mecca” with unmatched infrastructure, including award-winning Bridgestone facilities, and a ready fanbase blackburn.senate.gov.
The commitment doesn’t end with games. Nashville’s plan includes a world-class practice facility with community access and youth basketball development, signaling a dedication to grassroots engagement and athlete growth axios.com+4espn.com+4apnews.com+4. That speaks to the bid’s holistic approach—building fans from the ground up, fostering future stars, and ensuring year‑round impact.
But vision needs execution. Nashville’s sports landscape already includes major men’s franchises—the NFL’s Titans, NHL’s Predators, and MLS’s Nashville SC. Now, with the Summitt, women’s professional basketball steps into that fold, bringing gender balance to the city’s athletic culture. Nationally, it reinforces the WNBA’s growing legitimacy: it’s not just American—it’s global, and powered by star power and forward-thinking communities .
The investor group adds remarkable depth. Peyton Manning, a Knoxville native and national football hero, gives the bid mainstream mass appeal, while Tim McGraw and Faith Hill bring cultural clout. Their contributions tie into Tennessee’s rich music‑sports synergy and national resonance sbnation.com+8apnews.com+8apnews.com+8. Parker’s legacy connects past, present, and future women athletes. Together, this group exemplifies unity, vision, and pride.
Experts are watching too. WNBA analyst Geno Auriemma—head coach of UConn—publicly supported the Nashville bid, affirming Tennessee is “an excellent location for a new franchise” ctinsider.com. That kind of endorsement from a coach with experience, insight, and competitive rivalry with Summitt elevates the project’s legitimacy.
On the ground, supporters are energized. Axios Nashville described the group’s bid as “checking all the boxes”—financial resources, infrastructure, community intent, and brand potential frontofficesports.com+12axios.com+12espn.com+12. Nashville attorney Margaret Behm emphasized the city’s readiness: arenas, investors, civic will—all aligned axios.com.
Fans are just as excited. Though the franchise isn’t yet official and won’t play until 2028, planning has begun. A Twitter account for Tennessee Summitt kicked off teasers months ago frontofficesports.com+7reuters.com+7essence.com+7, rallying early support. Social media buzz is full of hopes: whole families envision evening games, youth attending clinics, high school girls dreaming big—all fueled by Summitt’s spirit.
Economically, the team holds promise. Expansion fees for recent franchises have surpassed $100 million—an indicator of the WNBA’s rising valuation reuters.com+2axios.com+2frontofficesports.com+2. Nashville’s approach is savvy: no public money, tapping existing infrastructure, and combining sports with entertainment and education investments. It’s model expansion.
Beyond business, the move signals progress. In a region where women’s pro sports have been limited, the Summitt can transform local culture. It amplifies role models, promotes gender equity, and offers new opportunities for female athletes, coaches, trainers, and administrators. Summitt’s own relationship with equity—she fought for scholarship opportunities and equal conditions—is mirrored in this initiative.
So what’s next? The WNBA is expected to award its 16th franchise by late 2025 or early 2026. Most successful bidders will present financials, venue contracts, community impact plans, and marketing strategy. Nashville’s bid is positioned strongly on all fronts, but rivals are significant. Cleveland, with an existing civic bid; Detroit, reviving the Shock; Philadelphia and Houston—all are vying sbnation.com.
If Nashville wins, the journey to 2028 begins now: team identity, branding, player acquisition, community outreach, youth camp creation, and ticket/merchandising structures will roll out. Assembling a strong front office, coaching staff, and roster—especially connecting to Summitt’s legacy—is essential.
Regardless of outcome, Tennessee’s influence is already clear. This bid spotlights women’s basketball at a national level, reminding stakeholders how powerful grassroots origin stories can be. If the league grows successfully, Pat Summitt’s name will live on in arena cheers, youth gymnasiums, and every aspiring player who hears it.
