By Blessing 
Eminem’s Detroit-Based WNBA Team Gets the Green Light
Detroit is officially back in the WNBA spotlight — and rap icon Eminem is part of the reason why.
The WNBA has announced its latest expansion, revealing that Detroit, along with Philadelphia and Cleveland, will be joining the league’s growing roster of teams. These additions will bring the WNBA to a total of 18 franchises, with Detroit’s team set to begin play in 2029.
The driving force behind Detroit’s new team is Tom Gores, owner of the NBA’s Detroit Pistons. In a statement, Gores expressed his excitement for what this means for both the city and women’s basketball:
“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA. Today marks the long-hoped-for return of the WNBA to a city with deep basketball roots and a championship tradition. Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy as the WNBA ascends to new heights.”
He went on to emphasize the broader impact this move could have:
“Our plans will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”
Gores also highlighted the strength of the team’s ownership group, saying:
“We have brought together an impressive array of investors who reflect the strength and diversity of Detroit. I’m excited about what we can accomplish together to advance women’s professional sports and inspire a new generation of fans.”
One of the standout names among those investors is Eminem, who was first reported in March to be part of the group. He joins a roster of Detroit-based sports and business figures that includes Jared Goff and Grant Hill.
In recent years, Eminem has become a familiar face at Detroit sports events, especially during the Lions’ playoff runs. His love for the city is clear, and his involvement only deepens his local ties. Fans will also remember his Super Bowl halftime show performance in 2022, where he famously took a knee in support of Colin Kaepernick’s protests against police brutality.
Detroit’s basketball legacy is getting a new chapter — and Eminem is helping write it.