Detroit is set to welcome a new WNBA team, bringing women’s professional basketball back to the city for the first time since the Shock left in 2009. The new franchise will begin play in 2029, joining a wave of WNBA expansion teams launching in Toronto, Portland, Cleveland, and Philadelphia over the next several years.
Members of the Detroit Lions organization were instrumental in securing the new team, with quarterback Jared Goff and team owner Sheila Hamp among a group of investors dedicated to revitalizing women’s basketball in the city. Their involvement reflects a growing commitment to both Detroit sports and the growth of women’s professional athletics.
Pistons owner Tom Gores praised the investment group’s efforts, 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.”
Goff’s participation shows his dedication to Detroit beyond football. The Lions quarterback recently signed a four-year, $134 million extension through 2028, setting him up to be a key figure in Detroit sports for years to come. His investment in the WNBA franchise further cements his commitment to the city.
As anticipation builds, fans hope the new team will reclaim the historic “Shock” name, which became synonymous with Detroit’s three-time WNBA champions before the franchise relocated to Tulsa and later became the Dallas Wings.
Detroit’s intense sports community now has another team to rally behind, thanks in large part to Goff, Hamp, and the rest of the investor group bringing the WNBA back to the Motor City.
Lions Help Bring WNBA Back to Detroit with Key Investments from Jared Goff and Sheila Hamp
