WNBA to expand to Detroit in 2029: 'It's going to be great'

Detroit — The WNBA is returning to Detroit.

The WNBA announced on Monday that Detroit and its ownership group have been awarded an expansion franchise, which will arrive in 2029. Detroit was home to the Detroit Shock from 1998-2009, winning three WNBA titles before relocating to Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Led by Pistons owner Tom Gores and his wife, Holly, Detroit formally submitted an expansion bid in January to bring a franchise back to Detroit. There has been no announcement yet regarding its name.

“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” Gores said in a statement. “Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition. Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights. Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”

The WNBA team will play all of its home games at Little Caesars Arena.




https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/2025/06/30/wnba-expanding-to-cleveland-detroit-and-philadelphia-over-next-five-years/84415553007/