The Dream Team Behind the Bid
The proposal for the “Tennessee Summitt” WNBA team wasn’t just another hopeful pitch. It carried serious weight, not only because of the big names involved but because of its tribute to one of the most legendary figures in women’s basketball history: Pat Summitt.
Summitt, the iconic coach of the Tennessee Lady Vols, redefined what it meant to be a powerhouse in women’s hoops. Naming a team after her felt like a no-brainer—especially in a state where basketball isn’t just loved, it’s a lifestyle.
Add Peyton Manning, one of Tennessee’s favorite sons, into the mix, and you've got a bid with heart, history, and heavy hitters. But sometimes, even the strongest teams lose a close one.
🏙️ Why Other Cities Got the Nod
In October, the WNBA announced its next wave of expansion teams—and Nashville wasn’t on the list. Instead, the league went with Cleveland (2028), Detroit (2029), and Philadelphia (2030). If those names sound familiar in the women’s hoops space, it’s because two of them—Cleveland and Detroit—previously had WNBA franchises.
But here’s the kicker: all three cities chosen also have NBA franchises, and their WNBA bids were backed by those same ownership groups. That matters—a lot.
Take Golden State for example. The success of the Valkyries, the WNBA team recently added to the Bay Area, is a blueprint for how NBA-backed franchises can jump-start fan support, sell out arenas, and create major media buzz.
Unfortunately for Nashville, the Memphis Grizzlies are Tennessee’s only NBA team, and they’re not based in the capital city. That left the Tennessee Summitt at a disadvantage in the eyes of WNBA decision-makers who seem to be favoring cities where NBA infrastructure already exists.
🏗️ Bridgestone Arena: The Renovation Curveball
Now, let’s talk venues. Even if the WNBA had wanted to break from the NBA-affiliation trend and give Nashville a shot, there’s a huge logistical headache to consider—Bridgestone Arena, the proposed home of the Summitt.
The arena, home to the NHL’s Nashville Predators, is about to undergo major renovations. We’re talking multi-year, top-to-bottom upgrades. According to the team’s official announcement, the revamp begins with early projects in 2026 and escalates to full summer shutdowns during 2027, 2028, and 2029—just as the WNBA expansion teams are slated to begin play.
That timing is brutal.
Keep in mind, the WNBA’s regular season runs from May through September. If Bridgestone isn’t fully operational until 2030—and that’s assuming everything stays on schedule—it means the Summitt would have to start their journey somewhere else.
🏟️ Temporary Homes? Not So Fast…
Sure, there are other venues in Nashville. Municipal Auditorium and Vanderbilt’s Memorial Gymnasium could technically host a WNBA team, but neither is ideal. The capacity and amenities pale in comparison to what WNBA expansion teams are rolling with these days.
Just imagine Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever coming to town and playing in a smaller, older venue. The fan demand would be there—but the facilities wouldn’t.
And starting a new franchise in a less-than-stellar home? That’s a rough way to build buzz. Just look at what the Golden State Valkyries have done—opening night at Chase Center in San Francisco was electric. The vibe, the sellouts, the media coverage—it all matters, and it all starts with a first impression.
🧳 Could Memphis Be a Backup Plan?
What about Memphis, you ask? It’s home to the NBA’s Grizzlies and FedExForum, a legit venue. That could work… theoretically.
But here’s the catch: if the team is meant to represent Nashville, launching in Memphis creates a whole identity crisis. It’s like introducing your new Nashville band with a Memphis gig—fans might show up, but they won’t feel the connection. And moving cities after a season or two? That’s a PR headache nobody wants.
Plus, Memphis basketball fans are intense. If you give them a WNBA team, don’t expect them to cheer when it packs up and heads east.
🔮 So… What’s Next for the Tennessee Summitt?
Let’s not write Nashville off just yet.
The city is booming. Tourism is thriving. Sports are thriving. Just look at the Tennessee Titans, Nashville SC, and the NHL’s Predators—all enjoying major local support. It feels inevitable that the WNBA will eventually plant a flag there.
The Tennessee Summitt ownership group isn't going away, either. With power players like Parker and Manning behind the scenes, they have the patience, capital, and public support to wait for the right moment.
Here’s one wild card to consider: they could try to buy an existing WNBA team.
Rumors have swirled about the Connecticut Sun potentially being up for sale. If Nashville’s group made a move and relocated that team—pending league approval, of course—they could bring pro women’s hoops to the city without waiting for the next official expansion round.
But again, venue matters. Without Bridgestone ready, any newly relocated team would still be in limbo for a few years.
💬 Why the Delay Makes Sense—For Now
As frustrating as it is for fans—and as confusing as it might be for WNBA stars like Sophie Cunningham, who publicly questioned Nashville’s omission—the league’s logic is sound.
Why risk launching a team in a city that doesn’t have a ready-to-go venue? Why break the momentum of the WNBA’s current growth with logistical headaches and relocation plans?
The Summitt bid was strong. But the timing? Not so much.
🌟 Final Take: Nashville Isn’t Out—Just Benched Temporarily
The Tennessee Summitt still feels like a team destined to exist. The branding, the leadership, and the city’s sports enthusiasm all check the right boxes. The main obstacle is simply the calendar.
When Bridgestone Arena’s renovations are complete, you can bet the WNBA will take another hard look at Nashville. And when that time comes, the Tennessee Summitt will be ready to rise—on a firm foundation and in a city that’s more than eager to welcome them.
Until then, consider this a timeout—not a buzzer-beater loss.
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