Detroit City Wire

Professional women's basketball is making a comeback in Detroit. The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced on June 30, 2025, that the city will receive an expansion team in 2029. The ownership group behind this bid is led by Tom and Holly Gores, with notable investors including Jared Goff, Grant Hill, Arn Tellem, Sheila Hamp, and Mary Barra.

"This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA," stated Tom Gores. He expressed pride in reigniting Detroit's legacy in women's basketball and emphasized the benefits of new energy and investment for both the city and the league.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised Detroit's commitment to growing the WNBA. "Detroit’s legacy in basketball runs deep," she said. She highlighted the city's past success with one of the most successful teams in WNBA history.

The new team will play at Little Caesars Arena, adding over 22 sporting events annually to downtown Detroit's economic activity. Plans include a dedicated practice facility with state-of-the-art amenities and a public sports center to foster youth development.

Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan has pledged support for developing a new campus central to residents. "Today’s announcement by the WNBA is a big win for Detroit," he commented.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also welcomed the news: "This has been a long time coming... Michiganders are fiercely loyal to all our teams."

Chris Ilitch of Ilitch Companies expressed excitement about hosting games at Little Caesars Arena: "Momentum surrounding women’s sports has never been stronger."

The return marks a revival of professional women's basketball in Detroit since the departure of the Detroit Shock after their establishment as one of the first expansion teams in 1996.