Detroit is preparing to return to the WNBA with a new professional women's basketball team and a sports complex at the old Uniroyal site. The facility will include a practice space for the team and plans for a youth sports area on the riverfront. The Detroit City Council will revisit the project next week, as reported by ClickOnDetroit.
The team’s name has not been decided yet. "The name has not yet been determined. We are exploring multiple options, including the Detroit Shock, as hopefully, some or all of you know, was the name of the team that was here before," said Richard Haddad, COO and chief legal officer for Pistons Sports & Entertainment, at a recent hearing, according to WXYZ.
The City Council approved a $34.5 million tax break under the brownfield plan to support cleanup and redevelopment of the Uniroyal site, bypassing a Tier 1 community benefits process. The project includes a $50 million, 75,000-square-foot WNBA headquarters and a connected youth development academy. WNBA player Deanna Nolan supported the plan for its potential impact on youth and riverfront areas, and former basketball player Rick Mahorn said the site's neglect has "been killing me every time I drive by," as noted by BridgeDetroit. The project aims to create a hub for sports and community activities.
