February 5, 2025 – Nashville has demonstrated its readiness — and willingness — to welcome additional professional sports franchises to Middle Tennessee, and the Stars are excited to support the latest initiative in that effort: the Tennessee Summitt.
The Summitt, named in memory of the late University of Tennessee’s eight-time national champion head coach Pat Summitt, represent a proposal for a WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) franchise submitted by a group led by former Tennessee governor Bill Haslam, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill. The trio is joined by Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning and three-time WNBA champion Candace Parker, both of whom starred at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville before climbing to the top of their sport at the professional level.
Such a team would be an appropriate addition to Music City. There is no question that another professional sports team will succeed here; Nashville has proven that it will support pro sports. What makes this special is the Summitt’s connection to this state, this region and to its namesake. And as we celebrated National Girls & Women in Sports Day this week, remembering one of the greatest leaders in women’s sports while celebrating women’s basketball’s rapid ascent and exciting future is the ideal combination.
We are confident in the success of the Tennessee Summitt here in Nashville. The Stars look forward to sitting courtside to cheer them on upon their arrival, as we likewise anticipate the Summitt being among our biggest fans when the Nashville Stars take the diamond.