As the WNBA’s rapid growth sparks expansion bids across the country, Tennessee is making its move. With new teams set to debut in Golden State, Toronto, and Portland, the league’s next chapter is already unfolding—but one state is looking to leave its own mark in a way that could redefine its basketball legacy.

Backed by championship pedigree and some of the biggest names in sports, a game-changing effort is now underway in Tennessee.

According to Knox News journalist Cora Hall, a Tennessee-based team is vying for an expansion bid, and it’s backed by some of the biggest sports icons including WNBA legend Candace Parker and football legend Peyton Manning! This could be a game-changer for the league as it continues to grow

The consortium led by Bill and Crissy Haslam has placed a bid for a franchise that could be named the Tennessee Summit.  Bill Haslam shared his excitement, saying, “We believe a WNBA team, based in Nashville, could serve as a beacon for girls and women, young and old, across Tennessee, while also creating more opportunities for sports fans as our community continues to grow. In building this new franchise, we will take inspiration from the Nashville Predators and its ‘community-first’ approach to running the business. This WNBA team will establish itself as a mainstay in Nashville and communities throughout the state of Tennessee.”

Bill Haslam isn’t just making a bid—he’s making a statement! The former governor of Tennessee and current chairman of the Nashville Predators is pulling out all the stops to bring a WNBA team to Nashville. To strengthen his case, he’s roped in two of the biggest University of Tennessee legends, Candace Parker and Peyton Manning. Both icons have had legendary careers and are beloved across the state, making them the perfect ambassadors to rally support. With their star power and deep Tennessee roots, this consortium is putting together a powerhouse bid that could make the Tennessee Summit a reality!

But securing a WNBA franchise won’t be a walk in the park! Haslam’s group might have the star power, but they’re not the only ones eyeing an expansion team. Another city is making a serious push of its own, and the competition is heating up! So, who’s stepping up to challenge Tennessee’s bid? Let’s find out!

 Manning is not the only football legend wanting a WNBA franchise!

Kansas City Chiefs superstar Patrick Mahomes is all in on bringing a WNBA team to Kansas City! He believes it’s the perfect next step for the same ownership group that built the NWSL’s Kansas City Current where his wife is an investor.

“We want to get basketball to Kansas City in general and then WNBA. The success that they’ve had this last season and these last few seasons, it’s kind of a no-brainer.” “It was cool that we were able to get this soccer team, this women’s soccer team here in the Current and they’re going into the playoffs now and you see the support that they have. So let’s try to get a WNBA team in here as well [with] that same ownership group. They’ve done the Current the right way, and I want to continue to work with them to take that next step and get a WNBA team here.”

With Mahomes backing the bid, Kansas City is building serious momentum in the race for a WNBA expansion team, and with the city’s passionate sports culture, it could be the perfect new home for a franchise!

With Tennessee bringing in hometown legends Peyton Manning and Candace Parker and Kansas City rallying behind Mahomes, the battle for a WNBA expansion team is heating up. Both bids have star power, but only time will tell which city will score the franchise! where do you want to see the next WNBA team? Drop your pick and join the debate!