Detroit Pistons leadership outlines development plans for future WNBA franchise

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 2:05 PM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

Detroit Pistons leadership outlines development plans for future WNBA franchise
Summary

Detroit Pistons Vice President Arn Tellem announced plans for a new WNBA franchise set to begin play in the 2029 season. The team will play its home games at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit, sharing the venue with the Pistons and the Detroit Red Wings. As part of the expansion, ownership intends to construct a $50 million practice facility and headquarters on the city’s East Riverfront. This campus will include a 100,000-square-foot youth sports academy designed to serve underserved residents of the city. The initiative follows the historical presence of the Detroit Shock, which operated in the region from 1998 until 2009. The new project aims to foster economic growth and provide athletic facilities for regional and national youth sports development.

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Status Watch
  • The new WNBA franchise is scheduled to begin play in the 2029 season.
  • Home games will be held at Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit.
  • Ownership is building a $50 million WNBA practice facility and headquarters on the East Riverfront.
  • The project features a 100,000-square-foot youth sports academy for local, regional, and national use.
Latest Updates
  • 2:05 PMYahoo SportsDetroit Pistons executive teases ‘first of its kind’ plans for new WNBA franchise
What they're saying
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As professional women’s basketball prepares to return to the Motor City, we’re finding out just how Detroit plans to make the dreams a reality. Detroit has a rich, championship-winning history with the WNBA that makes its upcoming return all the more significant.

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