Eminem Joins Bid for WNBA Team in Detroit

Detroit, MI – Eminem, the acclaimed rapper and Detroit native, is joining an influential group led by Pistons owner Tom Gores in efforts to bring a WNBA expansion team back to Detroit, according to sources familiar with the situation. The group comprises notable sports figures, including owners of the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, and Lions, aiming to revive women’s professional basketball in Michigan’s largest city.

The WNBA is currently in discussions about expanding its league, with projections now suggesting that up to three new teams could be introduced. Previously, it was believed that only one new franchise would be announced. Detroit’s bid is part of a broader interest shown by over ten cities, including Austin, Charlotte, Cleveland, and Philadelphia.

While specific financial figures from the Detroit group remain undisclosed, other teams in the expansion round have reportedly discussed fees reaching into the nine figures. Eminem’s representatives and the Pistons have not commented on the matter as of now.

In the past, the WNBA has seen significant franchise growth, with the average team now valued at approximately $96 million. The Las Vegas Aces are at the forefront of this valuation, boasting a worth of $140 million. The history of women’s basketball in Detroit includes the Detroit Shock, a successful franchise that won three championships before relocating to Oklahoma and later Dallas.

The proposed team would play at Little Caesars Arena, a state-of-the-art venue also home to the Pistons and the Red Wings. The ownership group tied to the bid includes Sheila Ford Hamp, principal owner of the Lions, as well as Denise Ilitch, owner of the Red Wings and Tigers, and Arn Tellem, a prominent sports agent now working for the Pistons.

Eminem, born Marshall Mathers, has maintained strong ties to Detroit throughout his career and regularly supports local sports teams. His involvement adds significant cultural weight to the proposal, given his status as one of the city’s most recognized figures. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver expressed optimism about Detroit’s bid, stating, “Over time, there’s going to be a lot of expansion in the WNBA.”

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also voiced her support for the endeavor, emphasizing that the community is eager to welcome a WNBA franchise back. “Our passion for our teams and players is unmatched,” Whitmer said. “My administration stands ready to support this franchise’s success.”

The deadline for bids has passed, and the league is expected to make its decisions known soon. Incorporated into this passionate push is a deep yearning to restore Detroit’s stature within women’s professional sports.