Eminem is reportedly in discussions to become part of an ownership group aiming to bring a WNBA franchise to his hometown of Detroit, according to TMZ.
WNBA Expansion and Detroit’s Bid
The WNBA is set to expand significantly, with a new franchise debuting in Golden State this year and additional teams launching in Toronto and Portland in 2025. The league has plans to grow to 16 teams by 2028, and Detroit is among the cities vying for one of the remaining spots.
TMZ reports that the 52-year-old rapper, a passionate Detroit sports fan, has engaged in discussions about joining the ownership group backing Detroit’s bid. A spokesperson for Eminem confirmed his interest.
Detroit’s Potential WNBA Ownership Group
The Detroit bid is currently spearheaded by Pistons owner Tom Gores and includes prominent investors such as Sheila Ford Hamp and her husband, the principal owners of the Detroit Lions, as well as General Motors CEO Mary Barra and basketball Hall of Famer Grant Hill. If Eminem officially joins, he would add significant star power to the group.
Fierce Competition for a WNBA Franchise
Detroit isn’t the only city pushing for a WNBA expansion team. Ownership groups from several cities, including Philadelphia, Cleveland, Kansas City, Houston, and Nashville, have also submitted bids. Additionally, Charlotte, St. Louis, and Austin are in the running.
Many of these bids feature high-profile backers. NBA star Jayson Tatum is supporting St. Louis’ efforts, while Kevin Durant is part of the Austin bid. Kansas City’s push is bolstered by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has publicly expressed his desire to bring a WNBA team to the city.
Celebrity and Sports Figures Fuel WNBA Expansion
Across the country, high-profile athletes and celebrities are backing WNBA expansion bids. Nashville’s bid is led by NHL Predators chairman Bill Haslam and his wife, Crissy Haslam, with an investor group that includes Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, and country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.
What’s Next?
With the WNBA committed to expansion, competition is heating up among cities to secure a franchise. If Eminem officially joins the Detroit bid, his influence could give the Motor City a major boost in landing a team.
As the league continues to evaluate proposals, the next few years will determine which cities emerge victorious in securing a WNBA franchise.
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