By Blessing 
Jared Goff’s Latest Move Signals a Bright Future for Detroit
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff isn’t just committed to leading his team on the field—he’s now helping shape the city’s future off it.
While the Lions are enjoying a short break before training camp begins in July and the regular season kicks off in September, the buzz around the NFL and in Detroit never really stops. And thanks to Goff, the latest headline goes beyond football.
Originally from sunny California, Goff has embraced life in the Motor City. He’s spoken about feeling at home in Detroit, and it’s clear he’s not just saying it—he’s proving it through action.
Goff Invests in Detroit’s Next Pro Team
On June 30, big news broke: Detroit is officially getting a new WNBA team, set to debut in 2029. Goff is part of the ownership group that helped make it happen.
The expansion was approved by the WNBA, and the group backing the new team includes some major names: Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp, former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, rapper Eminem, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra.
That’s quite the lineup—and Goff is right in the middle of it, helping to bring professional women’s basketball back to Detroit for the first time in nearly two decades.
The city once cheered for the Detroit Shock, who relocated to Tulsa in 2010 and now play as the Dallas Wings. The return of the WNBA is a major win for a city with deep basketball roots.
“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” Gores said, as reported by the Detroit Free Press. “Today makes 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. Our plays will bring new energy, investment and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community.”
A Boost to the City and Community
This new WNBA team isn’t just about basketball—it’s about building a stronger Detroit.
Plans include a brand-new practice facility and team headquarters on the riverfront, located at the former Uniroyal site near the Belle Isle bridge. According to the Free Press, this development is set to bring life to an area that has long been in need of revitalization.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed the new team will honor the legacy of the Detroit Shock, though it’s not yet known if the new franchise will carry the same name.
While in Detroit, the Shock built a winning tradition, taking home three championships. Their departure left a gap in the city’s pro sports scene—one this new team is poised to fill.
Detroit’s return to the WNBA is part of a larger expansion plan. On the same day the league announced the Detroit team, it also revealed future franchises in Cleveland (2028) and Philadelphia (2030). Earlier this year, new teams in Portland and Toronto were also confirmed to launch in 2026.
Goff’s Role: More Than a Quarterback
For Goff, this is more than a business deal. It’s a sign of his growing connection to Detroit and his commitment to giving back to a city that has embraced him.
While fans know Goff as the Lions’ leader under center, this move shows his vision goes beyond the football field. He’s helping to bring lasting change and opportunity to the community—something Detroit can be proud of.
With powerful partners, a rich basketball history, and a city eager to cheer on a new team, Detroit’s future just got even brighter. Thanks to Jared Goff and the team of investors, a new chapter in the city’s sports legacy is about to begin.