WNBA Team’s Future In Jeopardy Amid Expansion News

The WNBA’s momentum is undeniable, with fan excitement peaking and cities eager to join the league. But as expansion plans move forward, at least one existing franchise could be on shaky ground

Amid the excitement surrounding potential new teams, a group led by Bill Haslam and Crissy Haslam continues to push for a WNBA franchise in Nashville.

Backed by big-name investors like Candace Parker, Peyton Manning, Tim McGraw, and Faith Hill, the Haslams have already proposed the name Tennessee Summitt, a tribute to legendary Tennessee Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt. The bid also includes Bridgestone Arena as a ready-to-go home venue and the support of local leaders.

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Predators president Michelle Kennedy, who is helping guide the expansion effort, told the city’s Sports Authority board that the Haslams are “in it for the long haul,” per Nate Rau at Axios Nashville.

That could mean more than just expansion. If their push for the league’s 16th team falls short, Kennedy hinted at a backup plan—buying and relocating an existing WNBA franchise.

“There’s going to be more expansion. And I think we’ll see some relocations too,” Kennedy said. “This isn’t just about one team. This is about building something permanent for women’s sports in Nashville.”

That comment has sparked speculation about which teams might be vulnerable. According to the New York Post, the league reportedly lost around $40 million last year despite the WNBA’s growing profile. This was before the labor dispute and possible work stoppages.

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Combine this with the lower attendance of a few teams, and it’s easy to see why relocation is a real possibility. The Connecticut Sun is rumored to be a relocation candidate.

Other teams that could be in the conversation based on attendance include the Atlanta Dream, Dallas Wings, and Washington Mystics, who all finished last season with fewer than 6,500 fans per home game on average.

And while expansion fees continue to climb—ESPN reported that Toronto’s successful bid topped $115 million—a struggling franchise might be acquired for less. For the Haslam group, relocation may prove to be both a practical and financial pivot if the expansion route stalls.

The WNBA is reportedly considering as many as nine cities for its next wave of teams, with Cleveland seen as a frontrunner. Nashville’s pitch has impressed league officials, but competition is stiff.

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Still, the Haslams aren’t going anywhere. “We expected there to be a great response to this bid,” Kennedy said. “It has been beyond our wildest dreams.”

Related: Indiana Fever Make Big Announcement Before Caitlin Clark’s Second WNBA Season