A Detroit WNBA Story

• Detroit’s bid to bring the WNBA to the city goes beyond the court. It focuses on community impact, including a plan for an accessible youth sports academy.
• Investing in women is good business. Interest in the WNBA is expanding, and the game continues to evolve.
• The group behind the bid for Detroit’s WNBA team is very optimistic.

It has been 16 years since the Detroit Shock, the city’s WNBA team, left the Detroit Region to relocate to Tulsa, Oklahoma. However, spirits were high, and the crowd was energized at the 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference, as well-known Detroit leaders from business, sports, and entertainment shared how a bid for a WNBA expansion franchise came together and how the Region would benefit if selected.

The conversation began with Tellem sharing how the bid to bring the WNBA back to the Detroit Region came to fruition. The vision arose 11 years ago from conversations between he and Pistons owner Tom Gores, where they shared a desire to make the greatest impact in the community. The investor group, under the leadership of Gores and his wife Holly, is composed of great leaders, like the Detroit Lions’ Sheila Ford Hamp, USA Basketball’s Grant Hill, and General Motor’s Mary Barra–who all share the same vision of creating a lasting community impact.

“I think we blew them away with our ownership group,” said Tellem in reference to the WNBA’s Board of Governors.

Hill shared why he made the decision to support the evolving game and be a part of the bid.

“The WNBA is on this incredible growth trajectory,” he said. “It’s exciting…the community, the fans here. It’s just a passion and excitement for all things Detroit.”

The only native Detroiter on the stage, Pierce, shared this same sentiment– highlighting the power of sports to unite and transform.

“Look what happens where our teams are thriving. The restaurants are packed. The streets are alive. The feeling is electric…sports plant the seeds that really help young people see new possibilities.”

Detroit’s bid to bring the WNBA back to the region revolves around investing in the community, especially Detroit youth. The current plan envisions the new WNBA headquarters near the Belle Isle Bridge and centers on being accessible to the community. A sports youth academy would serve every child in the city, promoting youth sports and breaking down barriers to access. The academy is slated to have basketball courts and playing fields and be able to seat thousands for tournaments.

The investment goes beyond adding another sports franchise to the city. It would benefit businesses, the Detroit Region, and marginalized groups like young female athletes.

“This investment group is not only investing in women and the WNBA but is also investing in the youth…it’s going to be a model for anyone else coming into the WNBA,” said Cash-Canal. “The numbers are telling, and they dictate where people are spending. Investing in women is good business.”

Pierce furthered the conversation and touched on the importance of teaching women the business of sports.

“When you invest in spaces that allow young girls to learn, to grow, and to compete, you actually open doors that have historically been closed,” Pierce said. “You are telling them that their dreams are valid. Their place in the game, in leadership, in business, and in life is real. And that’s what this does. It gives all young girls the ability to see themselves in the future. They can be anything they want to be. [This bid] is just part of the platform.”

“We have been hearing very positive things out of New York,” Tellem said. “I wouldn’t be sitting here today if I wasn’t optimistic.”

This 2025 Mackinac Policy Conference session was sponsored by Wayne State University.