Among the Investors Hoping to Bring a WNBA Team to Detroit Is Jared Goff
Detroit has a long and storied history in basketball, particularly with its success in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA). From the moment the Detroit Shock entered the league in 1998, the city became a hotbed of women’s basketball success. The team won three championships—2003, 2006, and 2008—before relocating to Tulsa in 2009. Since the Shock’s departure, the city has been left without a WNBA team, but now, an ambitious group of investors is working tirelessly to bring a franchise back to Detroit.
One of the notable investors in this effort is Jared Goff, the star quarterback for the Detroit Lions. While most sports fans know Goff for his contributions on the football field, his involvement in this venture signals a new era for Detroit sports culture, as it joins a list of prominent figures dedicated to revitalizing the city’s sports landscape.
The Push to Bring a WNBA Team Back to Detroit
The renewed push to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit is spearheaded by Pistons owner Tom Gores, who has been vocal about his desire to return the city to the center of women’s professional basketball. Alongside him is a group of investors that includes athletes, business leaders, and civic-minded figures, all working together to re-establish the WNBA’s presence in the Motor City.
Gores, who has deep ties to Detroit, sees the WNBA as a valuable asset to the city’s growth. His initiative is part of a broader vision to turn Detroit into a multi-sport city that celebrates its rich basketball culture while also boosting its economy and community engagement.
While the ownership group is diverse, it’s Goff’s involvement that has captured the most attention. As a cornerstone of the Lions and a Detroit resident, Goff’s commitment to the project has added credibility and excitement to the endeavor.
The Investors Behind the Bid
The group working to bring the WNBA back to Detroit includes some notable names from the world of sports, business, and entertainment. Jared Goff, along with his wife Christen Goff, is contributing to the team’s bid. As public figures deeply invested in Detroit’s success, the Goffs’ involvement brings a personal connection to the project that will resonate with fans and community members alike.
Other key figures in the group include:
- Grant Hill and Tamia: Hill, a former NBA star and Detroit Pistons player, and his wife, singer Tamia, have long had a strong connection to the city. Both have expressed excitement about the potential impact a WNBA team could have on Detroit, especially in terms of community involvement and youth development.
- Chris Webber: Another former NBA star with Michigan roots, Webber’s involvement brings a wealth of experience and influence. Webber’s contributions to basketball, both on and off the court, will be invaluable in shaping the future of the team and the community.
- Sheila Ford Hamp and Steve Hamp: Sheila, the principal owner of the Detroit Lions, and her husband Steve, are committed to the long-term success of this venture. Their involvement signals the unified approach that the ownership group is taking to ensure that Detroit thrives as a multi-sport city.
- Mary Barra and Tony Barra: Mary, the CEO of General Motors, and her husband, Tony, bring an important business perspective to the bid. As prominent figures in Detroit’s corporate world, the Barros can help ensure that the team’s operations are financially viable and that the city benefits from the economic impact of the franchise.
- Arn and Nancy Tellem: Arn, a media executive with deep ties to the sports world, and his wife Nancy, a philanthropist, offer strategic insight into the business and media aspects of the WNBA’s potential return to Detroit.
The Community Impact of a WNBA Franchise
One of the driving factors behind this bid is the potential for significant community impact. The introduction of a WNBA team would not only bring top-level basketball back to Detroit but would also serve as a catalyst for economic development and cultural revitalization.
The investor group’s plans include:
- Using Little Caesars Arena: The state-of-the-art Little Caesars Arena, which already hosts the Detroit Pistons and the Detroit Red Wings, would serve as the home for the new WNBA team. The venue has the infrastructure to support a WNBA franchise and would provide fans with an exciting and accessible location to watch games.
- Youth Development Programs: A key component of the ownership group’s vision is to create a basketball academy for youth development. This initiative would provide local children with access to sports training, education, and mentorship opportunities, fostering the next generation of athletes and community leaders.
- Women’s Empowerment: A WNBA team in Detroit would also provide an important platform for women’s empowerment, as it would allow young women and girls in the city to see strong, professional athletes as role models. It’s hoped that this will help inspire more young girls to pursue their dreams in sports and other professional fields.
- Economic Impact: The presence of a WNBA team would contribute to the local economy by creating jobs, drawing tourism to the city, and increasing local spending. The investor group is keenly aware of the potential economic benefits a team could bring, from increased fan attendance to new businesses springing up around the stadium.
Local Government Support
The bid to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit has garnered widespread support from local government officials, who recognize the benefits of a WNBA franchise for the city. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating that a WNBA team would be a “game-changer” for Detroit.
Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has also thrown his support behind the bid, emphasizing that the return of a WNBA team would not only strengthen the city’s sports culture but also provide significant community and economic benefits. Both Whitmer and Duggan see this as an opportunity to unite the city and showcase Detroit’s resilience as it continues to rebuild after years of economic challenges.
The Landscape of WNBA Expansion
The WNBA has long been exploring the possibility of expansion, and as the league continues to grow, more cities are vying for the opportunity to host a team. Detroit’s bid stands out not only because of the city’s rich basketball history but also because of the significant resources and support it has from its investor group.
Cities such as Nashville, Philadelphia, and Houston are also bidding for WNBA franchises, each offering their own unique opportunities. Nashville, for example, has strong support from local figures like former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and former basketball stars such as Candace Parker and Peyton Manning. Philadelphia’s bid includes a proposal for a new arena, while Houston is looking to bring back the Houston Comets, the WNBA’s first dynasty.
However, Detroit’s bid is unique because it is deeply rooted in the city’s passion for basketball. The investor group’s mix of community leaders, business professionals, and former basketball players makes it a compelling contender for expansion.
Jared Goff’s Role in the Bid
For many, Jared Goff’s involvement is a significant part of the excitement surrounding the bid. Known for his leadership on the football field, Goff is increasingly becoming a prominent figure in Detroit’s sports scene. His commitment to the project underscores his deep connection to the city and his desire to see it flourish.
Goff’s involvement also speaks to the growing trend of athletes using their platforms to impact their communities in meaningful ways. Beyond football, Goff has already shown his dedication to Detroit through various charitable endeavors, and now, with his participation in this bid, he’s showing that his commitment to the city goes beyond the gridiron.
Looking Ahead
As the bid to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit moves forward, there’s a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. The combination of passionate investors, city leaders, and a community eager to embrace the return of women’s professional basketball makes this venture one to watch closely in the coming months.
If successful, Detroit will once again become a central hub for women’s basketball, and its residents will have the chance to cheer on a new generation of athletes who represent the city’s commitment to excellence, diversity, and community spirit.
With figures like Jared Goff involved, the return of a WNBA team to Detroit seems more than just a dream—it’s a very real possibility that could change the landscape of women’s sports in the city for years to come.