Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen Harper, are stepping into the world of sports ownership by joining an investment group aiming to bring a WNBA team to Detroit. Led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, the group hopes to revive women’s professional basketball in the city, which has been without a team since the Detroit Shock relocated in 2010. Before their departure, the Shock were a dominant force in the league, securing WNBA championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008.
Goff and Harper’s Role in Detroit’s WNBA Bid
Detroit may soon welcome back a WNBA team, thanks to a dedicated group of investors that includes Jared Goff, his wife Christen Harper, Pistons owner Tom Gores, and Lions owner Sheila Hamp. Gores has officially submitted a bid for an expansion team, signaling Detroit’s strong push to restore its presence in women’s professional basketball.
For the city, this effort represents more than just adding another franchise—it’s an opportunity to bring back a team that was once a key part of Detroit’s sports culture. The Detroit Shock, which joined the WNBA in 1998, was a powerhouse before relocating in 2009. Their success on the court and popularity among fans made them a defining part of Detroit’s basketball history.
“This is an exciting chance to bring the WNBA back to Detroit and drive investment and economic growth in the city,” Gores stated. “Detroit has a deep connection with the league, and our proposal presents a unique opportunity to bring it back in a meaningful way. No city is better prepared to embrace a new franchise and make it a unifying force for the community.”
If the bid is successful, the new team would play at Little Caesars Arena, home to the Pistons and the NHL’s Detroit Red Wings. Plans also include developing a dedicated training facility and team headquarters, ensuring players have top-tier resources, including locker rooms, practice courts, and relaxation areas.
The push to bring the WNBA back to Detroit has received strong backing from state and local leaders, including Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Their support highlights the economic and social benefits a new team could bring to the city.
“Michiganders are all in,” Whitmer said. “Our love for our teams is unmatched, our dedication to our communities is unwavering, and our vision for women’s sports is clear. We are fully prepared to help make this franchise a success.”
Competition for WNBA Expansion
Detroit’s bid is compelling, but it faces competition from other cities eager to land a WNBA team. Cleveland declared its interest in securing a franchise in late 2024, while Nashville entered the race in early 2025. Notably, Nashville’s bid features high-profile supporters, including NFL legend Peyton Manning and three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker, adding star power to their campaign.
Meanwhile, the WNBA has already committed to three new teams in San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto, set to debut over the next two seasons. League Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has emphasized the goal of expanding to 16 teams by 2028, intensifying the battle among cities for the remaining spots.
As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on Detroit’s bid. If successful, Goff and his investment group won’t just be securing a franchise—they’ll be reigniting a deep passion for women’s basketball in a city that once led the league in fan support.
