As the WNBA continues its ascent, Nashville has become the latest city to make its desire for a franchise known.
A star-studded group has come together in hopes of bringing the WNBA to Nashville. Led by Bill Haslam — the current chairman of the Nashville Predators and a former Tennessee governor — the group is comprised of Peyton Manning, Candace Parker, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw. On Thursday, the group submitted its bid to the WNBA. In a sentimental move, the team would be named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary coach Pat Summitt.
“We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow,” Haslam said.
“Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for,” Parker said in a statement. “I’m excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.”
While leading the Tennessee Lady Vols, Summitt had a career record of 1,098-208 with 18 NCAA Final Four appearances and eight National Championships across 38 seasons. Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, starred for Summitt’s Vols for two National Title victories.
“I know she would be proud and honored to be included in the expansion of women’s professional basketball into Tennessee,” Parker said.
Over the next two seasons, the WNBA will add three expansion teams — the Golden State Valkyries, the Toronto Tempo, and a soon-to-be-named franchise in Portland. With those three teams, the WNBA will have 15 franchises by 2026. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated the league would like a 16th franchise by 2028. In addition to the Nashville bid, Cleveland previously announced its bid for a franchise in November.
