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  1. #1

    Default Pistons owner leads bid for Detroit WNBA team with investor supergroup

    Pistons owner leads bid for Detroit WNBA team with investor supergroup



    The new WNBA team would play its home games at Little Caesars Arena, bringing an additional 22-plus sporting events to the city each year.


    Tellem on Friday told Crain's that the WNBA hasn't set a deadline for a decision on the bid.
    The group hasn't settled on a name for the team. The WNBA's Detroit Shock played at The Palace of Auburn Hills from 1998 to 2009. The plan calls for first-class amenities.The bid includes a comprehensive facilities plan that would utilize new and current facilities for the team, its players and the community. The plan includes building a dedicated WNBA practice facility and team headquarters, highlighted as a priority by the league. That facility would include state-of-the-art courts, a locker room, workout facilities, and office and lounge space.
    The development also would include a public sports center that would house a youth development academy. The academy would promote youth sports and address a lack of access and equity of youth facilities in Detroit. The plan calls for the facility to have youth basketball and volleyball courts and fields for soccer, football and lacrosse along with spectator seating.
    Tellem said the group is in talks with Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan on where in the city facilities could be built. The potential cost of the project was not disclosed.

    If the Detroit bid is accepted, the team would begin play in 2028.
    https://www.crainsdetroit.com/sports...s-investor-bid

  2. #2

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    I don't know about this. The Pistons, granted have been bad, but haven't yet demonstrated they can consistently bring large crowds downtown. The WNBA averaged just under 10,000 per game last season. A few weaker franchises were in the 5-6,000 range. Most cities have easily accessible transit where young fans, especially female, can head to games without vehicles or parents. Not sure why Detroit will draw much better the second time around.

  3. #3

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    Detroit used to have a WNBA Team The Detroit Shock. And they left town. Let's a new WNBA team can stay longer and win championships.

  4. #4

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    I favor a new arena for this venture. Hear me out...

    For all the stadiums this region has, it lacks a 7,000-11,000 seat midsize venue [[think WinTrust Arena in Chicago). There are plenty of events looking to fit that size that don't work at a building the size of LCA. A mid-size venue to house WNBA, PWHL, and the bevy of midsize events like wrestling, boxing, and mid-size concerts that don't scale well to the massive LCA.

    LCA already has a packed schedule and the demand continues to rise. It wouldn't make financial sense to bring in another team to block off dates but not fill the building.

    If you think another arena wouldn't work, look at the arena resources in other metro areas of this size. Then look at the list of investors in this new venture. It can be financed and it can be successful.

  5. #5

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    Quote Originally Posted by DetroitSoldier View Post
    I favor a new arena for this venture. Hear me out...

    For all the stadiums this region has, it lacks a 7,000-11,000 seat midsize venue [[think WinTrust Arena in Chicago). There are plenty of events looking to fit that size that don't work at a building the size of LCA. A mid-size venue to house WNBA, PWHL, and the bevy of midsize events like wrestling, boxing, and mid-size concerts that don't scale well to the massive LCA.

    LCA already has a packed schedule and the demand continues to rise. It wouldn't make financial sense to bring in another team to block off dates but not fill the building.

    If you think another arena wouldn't work, look at the arena resources in other metro areas of this size. Then look at the list of investors in this new venture. It can be financed and it can be successful.
    Would have to be 10,000 absolute minimum for WNBA to accept it. Scheduling is not an issue. Most WNBA teams are in arenas where NHL & NBA teams are located. Gore just financed the Wayne State arena where the G league Cruise play. He's not about to finance another. By the way, do they draw any fans?
    Last edited by 401don; February-01-25 at 12:13 PM.

  6. #6

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    Quote Originally Posted by 401don View Post
    Would have to be 10,000 absolute minimum for WNBA to accept it. Scheduling is not an issue. Most WNBA teams are in arenas where NHL & NBA teams are located. Gore just financed the Wayne State arena where the G league Cruise play. He's not about to finance another. By the way, do they draw any fans?
    I generally don't disagree with you on this regarding Gores not wanting to finance another building. However by my quick count only 6 WNBA teams play in NBA arenas, 1 plays in an NHL arena. None currently play in arenas with both NBA and NHL teams as co-tenants.

  7. #7

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    I don't mind trying to bring WNBA back to Detroit. It's kinda laughable that the league wants so much when they barely provide pay and lifestyle equity to it's players as is. Playing at WSU fieldhouse would be the best bet, with moving to LCA for marquee games when they get to that level, like they are doing now for certain matchups.

  8. #8

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    Quote Originally Posted by Genesyxx View Post
    I don't mind trying to bring WNBA back to Detroit. It's kinda laughable that the league wants so much when they barely provide pay and lifestyle equity to it's players as is. Playing at WSU fieldhouse would be the best bet, with moving to LCA for marquee games when they get to that level, like they are doing now for certain matchups.
    WSU is way too small to be acceptable to the league. They would never afford a franchise to a team with a 3,000 capacity main arena.

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