Return of the Sting? Hornets owners back bid to bring WNBA back to Charlotte

According to WUNC, Erica Berman is leading the bid to revive the Sting and bring the WNBA back to the Queen City. Berman’s father is the founder of CardWorks, a “leading credit and payments” company based in New York. The bid was submitted prior to the Jan. 30 deadline for WNBA expansion bids, a source confirmed to WCNC Charlotte. 

Hornets Sports & Entertainment sent the following statement to WCNC Charlotte on Tuesday: 

“Hornets Sports & Entertainment believes strongly in the future growth of women’s basketball and the WNBA. The Charlotte Sting have a storied history and a passionate fanbase within our community. We are proud to back the Berman family and be a part of this larger group that is bidding to bring the WNBA back to Charlotte.”

The Charlotte Sting was an original WNBA franchise, playing in Charlotte from 1997 to 2006. The team folded after a failed relocation bid from investors in Kansas City. Hornets legend Muggsy Bogues coached the team during its final season. Notable players included Dawn Staley, a six-time WNBA All-Star during her illustrious career.