Rap artist Eminem joins coalition aiming to revive WNBA franchise in Detroit, a move that could potentially see the basketball team return to the city for the first time since 2009.
Hometown hero Eminem is stirring up some excitement in Detroit by hopping on board a consortium aiming to lure a WNBA franchise to the city. According to reports from Sportico, the revered rapper is joining forces with Detroit's big league sports team owners and other notable figures, such as current Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, to secure a ladies' basketball team for the Motor City.
Gearing up for a hefty investment of around nine figures, (around $96m), this ambitious endeavor comes as the league's popularity soars, potentially welcoming one to three new franchises in the near future. Other cities hot on the heels include Cleveland, Austin, and Philadelphia.
While Detroit had a WNBA team in the past, the Detroit Shock found new stomping grounds in Tulsa after the 2009 season, despite celebrating three championship victories in their seven-year stint in Motown. If successful, the new team would call Little Caesars Arena—home to Detroit Pistons (NBA) and Detroit Red Wings (NHL)—as their arena.
Competition is fierce, and details about the collaboration remain under wraps (no formal agreement has been reached as of now)[2][4]. The financial aspect of introducing a WNBA franchise to Detroit is uncertain at this time. While exact numbers are not available, costs associated with a new franchise entail franchise fees, arena setup, marketing, and staff salaries[2][4]. The WNBA has yet to release specific figures for potential expansion fees, so the exact financial outlay is speculative for now. However, keeping Eminem's local influence and financial clout in mind, his participation is likely to make a significant impact on the bid's chances. Stay tuned for updates until the official announcement or further details emerge[2][4].
- In Detroit, the cost of bringing a WNBA franchise to the city is estimated to be approximately $96 million, a significant investment.
- Although Eminem's hometown, Detroit, had a WNBA team, the Detroit Shock, in the past, they relocated to Tulsa after the 2009 season.
- If successful, the potential new WNBA team in Detroit would share an arena with the Detroit Pistons (NBA) and Detroit Red Wings (NHL) in Little Caesars Arena.
- The financial details of introducing a WNBA franchise to Detroit are uncertain at this time, but the collaboration between Eminem, Detroit sports team owners, and others is expected to have a significant impact on the bid due to Eminem's local influence and financial clout.
