Nashville submits bid for WNBA expansion team, Tennessee Summitt

A group led by former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam has submitted a bid for a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) expansion team named the Tennessee Summitt, honoring the late University of Tennessee coach Pat Summitt. The bid was submitted to the WNBA expansion committee, with plans for the team to begin play in 2028 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Alongside Haslam, notable partners in this initiative include country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning, and WNBA champion Candace Parker. Haslam emphasized the significance of the team as a beacon for women and girls in Tennessee, aiming to fill a gap in professional women's sports in the state. The ownership group also plans to establish a practice facility that would be utilized for youth basketball, further supporting community engagement. Tyler Summitt, Pat Summitt's son, expressed pride in the initiative, highlighting his mother's advocacy for women's sports and leadership.