WNBA Approves Detroit Expansion Team

New franchise to begin play in 2029 at Little Caesars Arena

Apr. 10, 2026 at 8:22pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of blue, red, and white colors representing the Detroit team colors.The new WNBA expansion team in Detroit will bring a fresh, modern energy to women's professional basketball in the city.Today in Detroit

The WNBA has formally approved an expansion team in Detroit, set to begin play in 2029. The team will be owned by a group led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and include minority stakes from Lions quarterback Jared Goff and former Detroit sports stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber. The expansion fee was reportedly $250 million.

Why it matters

This marks the WNBA's return to Detroit after the original Shock franchise relocated in 2010. The new team will provide a boost to women's professional basketball in the city and give Detroit sports fans another top-tier team to support.

The details

The new Detroit WNBA team will play its home games at Little Caesars Arena, where the Pistons and Red Wings currently play. Plans are also in the works for a dedicated WNBA practice facility near the Detroit Riverfront. The team's name is still to be determined, but many fans hope it will revive the Shock name from the original Detroit franchise that won 3 WNBA titles.

  • The WNBA expansion was initially announced in the summer of 2025.
  • The WNBA and NBA Board of Governors formally approved the Detroit expansion team on April 10, 2026.
  • The new Detroit WNBA team is set to begin play in 2029.

The players

Tom Gores

Owner of the Detroit Pistons and leader of the group that won the bid for the new WNBA expansion team.

Jared Goff

Detroit Lions quarterback and minority owner of the new WNBA team.

Grant Hill

Former Detroit Pistons star and minority owner of the new WNBA team.

Chris Webber

Former Detroit Pistons star and minority owner of the new WNBA team.

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What they’re saying

“We're thrilled to bring the WNBA back to Detroit and provide a platform for women's basketball to grow in this community.”

— Tom Gores, Detroit Pistons Owner

What’s next

The new Detroit WNBA team is expected to announce its official name and branding in the coming months ahead of its inaugural 2029 season.

The takeaway

The return of the WNBA to Detroit represents an exciting opportunity to reignite interest in women's professional basketball in the city and build on the legacy of the original Shock franchise. The diverse ownership group also signals a commitment to making the new team a community-focused asset for Detroit sports fans.