Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty have voiced their support for Nashville's bid to host a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise. In a letter addressed to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, the senators highlighted Nashville's suitability as a host city due to its cultural appeal and strong sports infrastructure.

"Nashville is a cultural Mecca: from music to food to sports, Tennessee’s capital has it all," stated the senators in their letter. They emphasized the city's popularity as a travel destination, noting that it attracted 16.4 million visitors in 2023 and has been recognized as a top global travel spot by major outlets for over ten years.

The proposed team would be named "Tennessee Summitt" in tribute to Pat Summitt, the late Lady Vols women's basketball coach. The team would play at Bridgestone Arena, home of the Predators, which has garnered multiple awards for its programming and facilities. Investors backing the bid have also pledged to construct a state-of-the-art practice facility in Nashville.

"Additionally, Nashville undoubtedly has the infrastructure to host a WNBA franchise," wrote Blackburn and Hagerty. They expressed confidence that the Tennessee Summitt would thrive with such resources.

The establishment of this franchise is seen as an opportunity for women and girls across Tennessee and the South. "Some of the strongest women in history have called Tennessee home... A WNBA team in Tennessee—which would become only the second franchise in the Southeast—would serve as a beacon of opportunity," they stated.

Supporters of this initiative include notable figures like Bill and Chrissy Haslam, Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, Faith Hill, and Tim McGraw.

The full letter can be viewed here.