The WNBA is making waves once again, and this time, it’s all about expansion. The league has officially announced its return to Detroit, a city with a rich basketball history and a passionate fan base eager to embrace professional women’s basketball once more. Among the voices celebrating this exciting development is Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, who shared her thoughts on what this means for the league, the players, and the future of women’s sports.
Detroit hasn’t had a WNBA team since the Detroit Shock relocated to Tulsa in 2009 before eventually becoming the Dallas Wings. The Shock were a powerhouse in their heyday, winning three championships (2003, 2006, 2008) and boasting legends like Swin Cash, Cheryl Ford, and Katie Smith. Their departure left a void in the city’s sports landscape, but now, after years of anticipation, the WNBA is coming back—and the timing couldn’t be better.
Sophie Cunningham, known for her sharpshooting and competitive fire, expressed her enthusiasm about the league’s growth. “Detroit is a basketball city,” she said. “The fans there love the game, and bringing a WNBA team back is huge—not just for the league, but for women’s sports as a whole. This is another step forward in showing that the WNBA is here to stay and grow.”
The league’s expansion comes amid a surge in popularity for the WNBA. Record-breaking attendance, rising TV ratings, and increased media coverage have all contributed to a newfound momentum. Stars like Caitlin Clark, A’ja Wilson, and Breanna Stewart have become household names, and the addition of a new team in a major market like Detroit only solidifies the WNBA’s upward trajectory.
Cunningham, who has been a vocal advocate for the league’s expansion, emphasized how crucial this move is for player opportunities. “More teams mean more roster spots, more chances for players to live their dreams, and more cities getting to experience elite women’s basketball,” she said. “The talent pool in this league is deep, and expansion allows even more incredible athletes to shine.”
Detroit’s return to the WNBA also speaks to the city’s revitalization. Over the past decade, Detroit has seen a resurgence in its downtown area, with new businesses, stadiums, and a renewed energy in its sports culture. The Pistons’ move back to downtown Detroit in 2017 signaled a new era for basketball in the city, and now, the WNBA’s return adds another layer to that legacy.
When asked about potential rivalries, Cunningham grinned. “Oh, you know it’s coming. The Fever and a Detroit team? That’s going to be fun. The fans are going to bring it, and so are we.” Rivalries have always been a driving force in sports, and with geographic proximity between Indiana and Michigan, the matchups are sure to be intense.
The new Detroit team, which is set to begin play in the 2026 season, will have the opportunity to build its identity from the ground up. While the name and branding haven’t been revealed yet, speculation is already running wild. Will they revive the Shock name, or will they start fresh with a new identity? Cunningham weighed in: “I think it’s cool either way. If they bring back the Shock, that’s honoring history. But if they go with something new, it’s a chance to create a new legacy. Either way, Detroit is going to make noise.”
Beyond the excitement of a new team, Cunningham also touched on the bigger picture—the continued fight for equity and investment in women’s sports. “This isn’t just about basketball. It’s about showing that women’s sports deserve the same resources, the same attention, and the same respect as men’s sports. Every time we add a new team, every time we sell out an arena, every time young girls see themselves represented, we’re proving that this league is vital.”
The WNBA’s return to Detroit is also expected to have a significant economic impact. From job creation to increased tourism on game days, the team will contribute to the local economy while also providing opportunities for women in coaching, front-office roles, and broadcasting. Cunningham highlighted this as one of the most important aspects of expansion. “It’s not just players who benefit. It’s coaches, trainers, media, and so many others who get to be part of something special.”
As the conversation turned to the future, Cunningham reflected on how far the league has come—and how far it still has to go. “We’ve made incredible strides, but there’s still work to do. More teams, better travel conditions, higher salaries, and more media coverage—we’re pushing for all of it. But moments like this, seeing a city like Detroit get a team, remind us that we’re moving in the right direction.”
For fans in Detroit, the return of the WNBA is a long-awaited homecoming. For players like Sophie Cunningham, it’s another milestone in the league’s journey toward greater recognition and respect. And for the sport itself, it’s proof that women’s basketball isn’t just growing—it’s thriving.
As the 2026 season approaches, all eyes will be on Detroit to see how this new chapter unfolds. One thing is certain: with stars like Sophie Cunningham leading the charge, the WNBA’s future has never looked brighter.
