In a groundbreaking move that’s sending shockwaves across the basketball world, former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has officially unveiled “Tennessee Summitt,” the state’s first-ever WNBA franchise — and expectations couldn’t be higher.
Named in honor of the legendary late Pat Summitt, the winningest coach in NCAA women’s basketball history, the franchise is set to begin play in the 2026 WNBA season, bringing professional women’s basketball to the heart of the Volunteer State. Haslam, who previously purchased a stake in the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, is no stranger to high-profile sports ventures — but this latest leap may be his boldest yet.
“Tennessee deserves a WNBA team,” Haslam said during Tuesday’s emotional press conference in Knoxville, flanked by former Lady Vols players and community leaders. “And there is no greater inspiration than Pat Summitt. This team will carry her legacy into a new era.”
The Tennessee Summitt will be based in Knoxville, with home games played at the state-of-the-art Food City Arena, currently undergoing major renovations to accommodate the franchise. Season tickets are already in high demand, and local businesses are lining up in support.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert praised the expansion, calling it a “monumental addition” to the league and noting the significance of Pat Summitt’s name. “Few individuals have elevated women’s basketball the way Pat did. To have a team named in her honor speaks volumes.”
The team’s branding — which includes a vibrant orange, white, and silver color palette — pays tribute to the Lady Vols’ iconic look while forging a modern identity. The logo, a stylized summit peak with a basketball sun crest, symbolizes both Tennessee’s mountainous pride and the heights the team aims to reach.
While no players have been signed yet, the Summitt’s front office promises a competitive roster that blends WNBA veterans with promising young talent — with whispers that multiple former Lady Vols stars could return home.
Fans, alumni, and former players have already embraced the team as more than a franchise — it’s a movement.
As the WNBA’s popularity surges globally, Tennessee’s newest team is stepping into the spotlight with a legacy of excellence and a mission to inspire. The Tennessee Summitt isn’t just joining the league — they’re here to make history.
