Women's professional basketball will return to Detroit in four years.
The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced plans for further expansion during a media event Monday morning. Three more teams, including one in Detroit, have been confirmed.
Detroit's new team will begin play in 2029 and will be owned by a group headed by Pistons owner Tom Gores. Home games will be played at Little Caesars Arena.
"This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA," said Gores. "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. Our plans will bring new energy, investment, and infrastructure to our city and the WNBA, and additional resources to our community."
The previous WNBA team, the Detroit Shock, enjoyed a string of success in the 2000s. It played at the former Palace of Auburn Hills from 1998 to 2009, when the franchise moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma. The Shock won three WNBA titles, in 2003, 2006, and 2008.
Cleveland and Philadelphia were also awarded franchises on Monday. Cleveland's team will begin play in 2028, and Philadelphia's in 2030.
Toronto's new WNBA franchise, the Tempo, will begin play next summer.
Information on Detroit's new WNBA franchise can be found on its official website.