Rapper Eminem joins coalition aiming to revive WNBA franchise in Detroit after decade-long absence.
Hip-hop icon Eminem is aggressively stepping up to the plate to help Detroit snag a spot on the WNBA map. According to Sportico, he's teaming up with local sports team owners and big-time players like Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff to bring a ladies' basketball team to Motor City.
Costing a hefty nine figures, give or take, the bid could well set a new trend for WNBA expansion teams, estimated to usually come in around $96 million[1][3][5]. Other cities eyeing a slice of the action include Cleveland, Austin, and Philly.
While Detroit has a rich history with the WNBA, the Detroit Shock relocated to Tulsa after the 2009 season, despite winning an impressive three championships during their seven-season tenure in Detroit[4]. If successful, the new team would call Little Caesars Arena home, sharing space with the Detroit Pistons and the Red Wings.
Eminem, alongside Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, is said to be leading the charge, though his management has noted, "no deal has been finalized" as of late April 2025[1][3][5]. This powerhouse bid group involves Detroit’s major sports franchises and business titans, such as GM CEO Mary Barra[4].
With a track record of success and a unified ownership group, Detroit's bid leverages its past WNBA glory while positioning itself as a strong contender among markets with passionate fan bases and leading ownership groups[1][4].
- The bid to bring a WNBA team to Detroit, led by Eminem and Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, is estimated to cost a hefty nine figures, potentially setting a new trend for WNBA expansion teams.
- If successful, the new WNBA team in Detroit would call Little Caesars Arena home, sharing space with other sports teams like the Pistons and the Red Wings.
- Other cities like Cleveland, Austin, and Philly are also eyeing a spot on the WNBA map, but Detroit's bid, rooted in its rich history with the WNBA, could prove a strong contender due to its passionate fan base and leading ownership group.
- Despite the aggressive steps towards bringing a ladies' basketball team to Motor City, Eminem's management has clarified that as of late April 2025, no deal has been finalized.
