Eminem joins Detroit WNBA ownership as league approves 2029 expansion team
Eminem is officially part of the WNBA’s expansion plans as the league greenlights a new Detroit franchise set to launch in 2029.
The iconic rapper, known for his deep Detroit roots, joins a powerful ownership group to bring professional women’s basketball back to the city.
The WNBA confirmed that Detroit, along with Cleveland and Philadelphia, will each receive a new team, expanding the league to 18 franchises. The Detroit group is led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores and includes Eminem (Marshall Mathers), Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff, former NBA stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, Lions principal owner Sheila Hamp, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra.
EXCLUSIVE: @Eminem is Joining Detroit's @WNBA Expansion Bid Group.
The Detroit group, which includes owners of the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings and Pistons, is one of about a dozen vying for a WNBA team in this round of expansion.
Read more: https://t.co/6ecxCLS9O7 pic.twitter.com/Yo2nl4qQlQ— Sportico (@Sportico) March 12, 2025
The ownership group reportedly paid $250 million in expansion fees and plans to base the team at Little Caesars Arena. A dedicated training facility and headquarters are also in the works near Detroit’s riverfront, aiming to enhance the team’s long-term impact in the city.
“This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” Gores said in a statement. “We’re proud to reignite the city’s legacy in women’s basketball.”
Eminem’s involvement signals more than a financial investment. Known for his support of Detroit’s youth and community development, his role in the team is expected to boost visibility and engagement.
The announcement comes amid a surge in the WNBA’s popularity, with record viewership and merchandise sales driving renewed interest in the league.
With star-studded backing and a city passionate about basketball, Detroit's return to the WNBA is shaping up to be one of the league’s most anticipated moves in years.