Detroit leads bid for WNBA expansion team

Detroit is making a bid to bring a WNBA team back to the city, led by Pistons owner Tom Gores and a group of prominent investors, including Sheila Ford Hamp of the Lions and General Motors CEO Mary Barra. Gores emphasized that this bid represents a chance for the league to reconnect with a passionate fan base that once supported the Detroit Shock, who won three titles before relocating in 2009. The proposal includes plans for a dedicated practice facility and headquarters for the team, which would be open 24 hours a day, alongside a public sports center. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan have expressed their support for the bid, highlighting the city's commitment to women's sports. The Shock had a notable history in Detroit, with high attendance records and a strong community presence during their time. The return of a WNBA team is seen as a significant opportunity for economic and cultural revitalization in the area.