Tom Gores bids to revive Detroit Shock in WNBA

In the United States, particularly in Detroit, a significant move was made recently as Tom Gores, the owner of the Detroit Pistons, submitted a bid aiming to bring a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise back to the city. The bid was submitted on Thursday, involving a collaborative effort from a diverse ownership group that includes prominent figures such as Sheila Ford Hamp, the principal owner of the Detroit Lions, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra, among others. Gores has stated that welcoming a WNBA team would not only enrich the community's sporting landscape but also drive economic activity and investment into the area. Historically, Detroit was home to the WNBA team known as the Detroit Shock, which was established in 1996. The Shock enjoyed remarkable success, winning three championships between 2003 and 2008 and consistently ranking among the league leaders in attendance. However, the franchise relocated to Tulsa after the 2009 season and ultimately transformed into the Dallas Wings in 2016. The previous enthusiasm and support for women's basketball in Detroit provide a strong foundation for Gores' current proposal, as he emphasized the city’s need for a new franchise. As part of the expansion effort, the WNBA recently filed a trademark application to reestablish the name “Detroit Shock.” This trademark is intended for use related to merchandising and branding for a basketball team, signaling the league’s interest in possibly reviving the franchise in the city. Gores expressed confidence in the passion Detroit fans have for their teams and reiterated the community's readiness to support a new WNBA team. The potential revival of the Shock comes along with future plans for a new sports campus in Detroit that would include a dedicated practice facility and a youth development academy. The Detroit mayor, Mike Duggan, has committed to collaborating with the ownership group to make this vision a reality. Gores sees this as an opportunity to leverage professional sports for broader community impact, not just on the court but in various facets of life across Detroit. The concerted efforts from both local leaders and business personalities indicate a hopeful outlook for women’s professional basketball’s return to Detroit.