Appointment sealed: Pat Summitt’s Legacy Honored with WNBA Expansion Team Bid in Tennessee…

Appointment sealed: Pat Summitt’s Legacy Honored with WNBA Expansion Team Bid in Tennessee

 

In a monumental effort to honor the late Pat Summitt, a coalition of prominent figures has submitted a bid to establish a WNBA expansion team in Nashville, Tennessee. The proposed team, aptly named the “Tennessee Summitt,” pays homage to the legendary University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers head coach, whose impact on women’s basketball remains unparalleled.

 

A Star-Studded Coalition

 

Leading the initiative is former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam, joined by an impressive roster of investors, including WNBA icon Candace Parker, NFL legend Peyton Manning, and celebrated musicians Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. This diverse group underscores the widespread admiration for Summitt and the collective desire to perpetuate her legacy. The team is slated to begin play in 2028 at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, sharing the venue with the NHL’s Nashville Predators, in which Haslam holds a majority stake. Plans also include the development of a dedicated practice facility that will serve both the team and local youth basketball programs.

 

Candace Parker’s Tribute

 

Candace Parker, a former Lady Vols star who flourished under Summitt’s mentorship, expressed profound enthusiasm for the project. “Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for,” Parker remarked. “I’m excited to be a part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.”

 

Endorsements from the Basketball Community

 

The bid has garnered support from notable figures across the basketball spectrum. UConn women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, once a fierce rival of Summitt, lauded the initiative, stating that a WNBA franchise in Tennessee would be a fitting tribute to Summitt’s enduring influence on the sport.

 

A Legacy Cemented

 

Pat Summitt’s illustrious career spanned 38 seasons, during which she amassed 1,098 career wins and secured eight NCAA championships. Her unwavering commitment to excellence not only elevated the Lady Vols to national prominence but also played a pivotal role in advancing women’s basketball on a global scale. The establishment of the Tennessee Summitt aims to perpetuate her vision by providing a platform for elite competition and inspiring future generations of athletes.

 

As the WNBA contemplates expansion, the Tennessee Summitt bid stands out as a heartfelt endeavor to honor a coaching legend and enrich the state’s rich basketball heritage.