NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The chairman of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and his spouse are eager to establish a WNBA franchise in Music City. They have partnered with a high-profile group of investors that includes renowned figures such as Candace Parker, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, and musicians Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
Leading this initiative is Bill Haslam, a former governor of Tennessee, who submitted the proposal for the new WNBA team on Thursday. The franchise, which is set to begin play in 2028, will be named the Tennessee Summitt in tribute to the late Pat Summitt. Haslam remarked on the growing prominence of women’s professional sports globally, pointing out the existing “void” that a Nashville team could fill.
“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 stated.
The bid also includes plans for a dedicated practice facility for the WNBA team, which would serve youth basketball programs as well.
Parker expressed her enthusiasm in a statement saying, “Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for.” The three-time WNBA champion elaborated on the significance of bringing a WNBA team to Tennessee through a heartfelt Instagram post, highlighting the legacy of Summitt in the region she considers home.
“This is a real pinch-me moment …,” Parker wrote. “If you know me, you know how important and impactful Coach Summitt IS on my life. Coach makes me the best version of myself as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, teammate, and person. I’m honored that we are submitting a bid to the (at)wnba today for a franchise to be named in her honor.”
Summitt, who passed away in 2016, holds the record as the most successful Division I coach in history, having won eight national championships before her retirement following an early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. A Tennessee native, Summitt led the Lady Vols for 38 years, achieving a stunning 1,098-208 record along with 18 NCAA Final Four appearances. Her son, Tyler, highlighted her fierce advocacy for women’s sports and leadership roles for women.
“I know she would be proud and honored to be included in the expansion of women’s professional basketball into Tennessee,” Tyler stated.
The proposed team would play at Bridgestone Arena, which is currently the home of the Predators. Haslam acquired a majority share of the Predators in 2022.
The WNBA is poised to expand in the coming seasons with three new teams joining the league, specifically in Golden State, Portland, and Toronto, which will increase its total number of franchises to 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has indicated a desire to add a 16th team by the 2028 season. Meanwhile, Cleveland has also announced plans to bring a WNBA franchise back to Ohio as last November.
