Jayson Tatum dreams big and moves even bigger. In 2023, he joined the LA Mad Drops in Major League Pickleball alongside Drew Brees. Now, with the WNBA expanding, he plans to bring a team to his hometown, St. Louis. But now, he’s up against Patrick and Brittany Mahomes in the bidding war. Still, the Celtics star isn’t fazed. Instead, he’s making his intentions crystal clear.

Growing up in St. Louis, it’s only natural for Tatum to feel connected to his roots. But, this WNBA team for his hometown is more than just an expansion. It’s JT’s drive to do something for the little girls of Missouri. Thus speaking with the media ahead of his 6th All-Star appearance for Team Shaq, Jayson Tatum spoke his mind.

“I’m very prideful about where I’m from. And I I have a sister who lives in St. Louis. She’s 11. So just understanding how big of an impact that would be for the city of St. Louis.” Jayson Tatum said. “And, you know, a bunch of girls that are around my sister’s age and the next generation. So if that were to happen, I would, you know, love to be a part of it. And I think it would be big for, you know, the city of St. Louis.”

It’s Jayson Tatum‘s will to give back to the community he belongs to, that’s making him chase for the stars. Meanwhile, Sportico’s report suggests: “Tatum has informally agreed to invest in the team should it come to fruition.” For that to happen, Tatum and his group must outbid fierce competition. Cities like Denver, Philadelphia, and Miami want the WNBA’s 16th team.

And the stakes? Sky-high. As Feldman reported, “More than a dozen candidates are expected, with some predicting that the ultimate winner could pay more than $200 million for the slot.” 

Most importantly Tatum is already a hero in Boston. But now, he’s turning his attention to his hometown. His next mission? Bringing a WNBA team there. However, the challenge is huge—he’ll have to face off against Patrick Mahomes and a powerhouse group of billionaires.

Jayson Tatum is going up against Patrick Mahomes & his wife for bringing the WNBA to St. Louis

In April 2024, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert teased a 16th team, saying she’s “pretty confident” it’ll happen by 2028. The league, once just 12 teams, is already expanding with Golden State in 2025, followed by Toronto and Portland in 2026. And the momentum is real. “Just a few years ago, we were surviving; now we’re going from survive to thrive,” Engelbert said. With stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese entering the league, WNBA fever is soaring.

On October 30, 2024, ESPN’s Adam Schefter dropped big news. “As WNBA expansion continues, ownership of the NWSL’s KC Current — which includes Patrick Mahomes and his wife, Brittany — has met with the WNBA and is in contention to bring the league’s next franchise to Kansas City.” The power couple already owns part of KC Current, joining in January 2023. Now, they’re aiming even higher.

And this is where Jayson Tatum will come in as a hurdle for the Kansan City Chief’s superstar QB. Tatum is said to be teaming up with billionaires Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman to make his dreams come true. If it works, he’ll make history as the first active NBA player with a WNBA ownership stake. Thanks to the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, NBA players can now own up to 4% of WNBA franchises.

Thus, clearing his stance on the WNBA aspirations, Jayson Tatum is aiming big. Besides his $315 million contract with the Boston Celtics could become the boost in his ownership voyage. Moreover, keep your eyes on this grand news, because if things go as planned, JT will have his name written in the history books!