The recent expansion of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) signaled a significant opportunity for new host cities—and for a moment, Nashville, Tennessee, stood at center court in the discussion. Led by country superstars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, a bidding consortium, comprising sports notables like Peyton Manning, ex-WNBA legend Candace Parker, and former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, was determined to position Nashville as the next home for WNBA action. Despite their high profile and vision for a team named the “Tennessee Summitt” (honoring legendary coach Pat Summitt), the WNBA has denied their bid—for now.

WNBA Expansion: Nashville Left on The Sidelines

Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia were officially announced as the three cities awarded expansion franchises, scheduled to debut in the 2028, 2029, and 2030 seasons, respectively. They join previously announced additions, Toronto (starting in 2026) and Portland (2025), as part of the WNBA’s ambitious plan to expand the league from 12 to 18 teams over the next five years. The expansion momentum coincides with unprecedented growth in viewership, sponsorship investment, and public enthusiasm for women’s basketball across the United States.

Earlier in 2024, the WNBA clocked record-breaking television ratings for its draft—up more than 300% year-over-year—fueled by the arrival of college stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Kamilla Cardoso. League merchandise sales have also soared, with jersey and ticket sales hitting all-time highs. According to the WNBA, expansion is a crucial step in meeting growing demand and improving opportunities for athletes and markets nationwide.

Nashville’s Star-Studded Bid

The campaign to secure a franchise for Nashville quickly drew headlines. Bill Haslam, who previously acquired controlling interest in the NHL’s Nashville Predators, spearheaded the bid. He assembled a roster of partners featuring Tim McGraw and Faith Hill—icons of country music—as well as NFL legend Peyton Manning and two-time WNBA champion Candace Parker. Their proposed team, the “Tennessee Summitt,” paid homage to Pat Summitt, the trailblazing University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach with the most wins in NCAA basketball history at the time of her retirement.

Despite their credentials and significant financial backing, the WNBA ultimately opted for other markets in its latest expansion wave. The league cited a combination of factors in their selection, including market analysis, fan engagement metrics, venue readiness, and long-term sustainability projections. While Nashville’s bid checked many boxes—boasting a passionate sports culture and substantial corporate support—the WNBA is believed to be prioritizing cities with larger television markets or untapped basketball fan bases.

Why Did Nashville Miss Out?

Multiple sources point to several reasons the Music City bid might have fallen short:

• Market Prioritization: Cities like Philadelphia and Detroit offer larger metropolitan footprints, providing more immediate access to high population and advertising reach.
• Basketball Heritage and Infrastructure: Cleveland and Detroit have deep roots in professional basketball and existing NBA arenas, making operational rollouts quicker and more cost-effective.
• Geographical Balance: The WNBA continues to fill gaps in the Midwest and Northeast before returning to southern markets.
• Existing Sports Ecosystem: Nashville currently supports NFL and NHL franchises and is already in talks for future MLB or MLS expansion, possibly complicating calendar logistics and fostering cautious commitment by the league.

Nevertheless, league commissioner Cathy Engelbert has repeatedly indicated that markets like Nashville and Denver remain on the WNBA radar for future franchise opportunities. “We’re not closing the door on cities that aren’t part of this round. The appetite for professional women’s sports continues to grow,” Engelbert said during an expansion press conference in May 2024.

Celebrity Power in Sports Ownership: The Growing Trend

McGraw and Hill’s involvement exemplifies a broader trend of celebrities investing in and championing professional sports franchises. Their prior involvement, including McGraw’s minority stake in the arena football team Nashville Kats (before the league’s 2007 demise), demonstrates longstanding commitment to local sports. Celebrity-led consortiums tend to attract attention, sponsors, and fan excitement, and other musicians are also riding the wave. Country star Darius Rucker is linked to a proposal for a future Major League Baseball team (the Nashville Stars), while Luke Combs and Maren Morris have been reported as advisors for similar efforts.

Nashville’s Sports Landscape: Still Growing

The city’s pro sports scene is already thriving. Alongside the NFL’s Tennessee Titans and the NHL’s Nashville Predators, Nashville is home to a successful Major League Soccer team, Nashville SC, which began play in 2020. Nashville also hosts annual events for NASCAR and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team. Importantly, Tennessee boasts a rich women’s basketball tradition anchored by the University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers.

Local advocacy for women’s professional sports remains strong. Former Governor Haslam and other advocates expressed optimism following the WNBA decision. “We will continue to keep our eye on future opportunities and evaluate them as they present themselves,” Haslam told reporters. “I am confident that one day Tennessee will be the home of a major professional women’s sports franchise.” City officials and leaders echoed support, pointing to state population growth (Tennessee is now among the nation’s top ten fastest-growing states) and a diversified economy appealing to both athletes and league executives.

The Road Ahead: Hope for Music City

While Nashville’s latest WNBA dream came up short, the city’s leaders, business community, and music superstars say their efforts are only beginning. In the coming years, with further league expansion anticipated—and with continued growth and investment in women’s professional sports—Nashville is expected to remain a leading candidate for the next round of franchise opportunities. For now, Music City’s fans can look forward to continued top-tier action at Titans and Predators games, and the city’s steady pursuit of its own place in WNBA history.

Key Takeaway: Nashville’s snub in the WNBA expansion highlights both the competitive nature of modern sports franchises and the power of celebrity-led business ventures. As the WNBA continues its exponential growth, all eyes remain on which American city will next secure a coveted professional women’s team—Nashville and its star supporters remain firmly in the hunt.