Tom Gores is spearheading an investor group aiming to bring a WNBA team back to Detroit.
Quarterback Jared Goff of the Detroit Lions and his wife Christen are part of the investment group that has formally submitted a bid to reintroduce a WNBA team to the city. Pistons owner Gores is leading the bid and has assembled a strong group of investors, which includes Lions owner Sheila Hamp.
“This is an exciting opportunity to welcome the WNBA back to Detroit and bring additional investment and economic activity into the city,” Gores said in a statement. “For the WNBA, this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming. No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground.”
The Detroit Shock, which won WNBA championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008, left the city in 2009.
“Detroit is a sports town that loves its teams deeply and consistently shows up with unwavering passion,” Gores added. “At a critical moment in the growth and development of the WNBA, it supported the hometown team more than any other franchise in the league. We’re here to rekindle that legacy.”
The statement noted that alongside Goff and his wife, Gores and Hamp, other key investors include former Pistons player Grant Hill and his wife Tamia, Detroit native and former Piston Chris Webber, Arn and Nancy Tellem, as well as other leaders from the sports, entertainment, media, and finance sectors.
“I’m also pleased with the broader partnerships we’re already putting together around this bid,” said Gores. “I’m excited for what we can achieve together in building a winner on the court and in the community.”
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Lions WR Forced to Withdraw from Pro Bowl After Injury
There will be no blue hair at the Pro Bowl this year after all.
Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown has withdrawn from the event this weekend due to injury, and will be replaced by Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, as announced by the Giants.
This means that the talented Detroit receiver, who posted 115 receptions and 1,200 receiving yards to earn his third consecutive Pro Bowl selection, will not be attending the annual event in Orlando.
St. Brown becomes the second Lions player to back out of the Pro Bowl. Earlier this week, offensive lineman Penei Sewell also withdrew, with fellow lineman Taylor Decker stepping in as his replacement.
However, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Frank Ragnow, Brian Branch, and Jack Fox are still set to participate, along with Decker.
The Pro Bowl games are scheduled to take place from Thursday through Sunday, featuring a skills competition and a flag football game.
