Detroit Approved for 2029 WNBA Expansion Team

The league will add franchises in Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia over the next few years.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 10:40am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting in shades of red, blue, and orange, depicting the fragmented motion and energy of a WNBA basketball game.The WNBA's expansion into Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia will bring a new era of professional women's basketball to the Midwest.Today in Detroit

The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors have officially approved the addition of expansion teams in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia. Detroit's team will begin play in the 2029 season, returning professional women's basketball to the city after the previous Detroit Shock franchise left in 2009.

Why it matters

Detroit was one of the original WNBA cities when the league launched in 1996, and the Shock were a successful franchise that won three championships. The return of the WNBA to Detroit is seen as an opportunity to re-energize the local fan base and provide a community asset that can help drive unity.

The details

Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores led the expansion bid on behalf of a local ownership group. The new Detroit team is expected to play at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, with plans for a team headquarters and new practice facility. The team name has not yet been announced, although there has been speculation about reviving the Detroit Shock name.

  • The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors approved the expansion on April 10, 2026.
  • Detroit's team is set to begin play in the 2029 WNBA season.

The players

Tom Gores

The owner of the Detroit Pistons who led the expansion bid on behalf of the local ownership group.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“For the WNBA, this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming. No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground.”

— Tom Gores, Detroit Pistons Owner

What’s next

The new Detroit team will now work to finalize its name, roster, and other details ahead of its inaugural 2029 season.

The takeaway

The return of the WNBA to Detroit is seen as an exciting opportunity to reignite the city's passion for professional women's basketball and provide a unifying community asset. Fans are eager to welcome back a team after the previous Shock franchise's departure over a decade ago.