WNBA Returning to Detroit: Lions Owner Sheila Hamp and Jared Goff Help Bring League Back to the City

A major driving force behind this return is the Detroit Lions organization. Lions principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp and her husband, Steve Hamp, are part of an influential group of investors committed to reviving the WNBA in the city. Also stepping up to support the cause are Lions quarterback Jared Goff and his wife, Christen Goff.

Other high-profile investors involved include NBA Hall of Famer Grant Hill and his wife, singer Tamia Hill, as well as General Motors CEO Mary Barra and her husband Tony Barra. The ownership group also features notable figures such as sports executive Arn Tellem and Nancy Tellem, basketball great Chris Webber, Roger and Carin Ehrenberg, Ethan and Gretchen Davidson, Denise Ilitch, KC and Ashley Crain, Larry Brinker Jr., Andra Rush, Sandy Pierce, Steve Jbara, Beth Chappell, Mindi Fynke, Suzanne Shank, and Matthew and Karen Cullen. Investment firm Sportsology Capital Partners is also part of the backing.

Earlier this year, the same group made an unsuccessful bid to bring a team to Detroit, with the WNBA choosing Cleveland for its 2026 expansion instead. However, with this latest announcement, Detroit is now officially next on the league’s expansion list.

As for the future team’s name, the investors are still exploring options. Keeping the historic “Shock” name is on the table, but they plan to conduct research and engage in discussions before making a final decision.

This marks the third professional sports venture for Ford Hamp and her husband this year. Back in May, they also launched a professional golf franchise.