Jayson Tatum wants to bring WNBA team to St. Louis, reports say

St. Louis has baseball, hockey, football and soccer. Now a plan to bring basketball is on the table, and those behind that vision have a potential venue and a voice to push the city’s value.

There are reports NBA superstar and two-time gold medalist Jayson Tatum is working to woo a WNBA team to his hometown of St. Louis. Big name, billionaire investors are reportedly on his side to help make it reality.

A five-time NBA All-Star excelling on the court in the NBA, the Boston Celtics standout never forgets home.

“Jayson has always been about The Lou whenever he was at Duke and with the Boston Celtics,” said St. Louis American Sports Editor Earl Austin Jr., reacting to news Tatum is eyeing making St. Louis one of the next spots to get a WNBA team.

“It would be huge… You’re getting it at the right time when the league is really starting to pop along the masses… This year you had a perfect storm. You had great players,” he said.

The St. Louis Business Journal reports Sportico first shared billionaires Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman would offer the assist through financial investment.

The potential venue they have in mind: Chaifetz Arena.

“It’s fantastic. It’s 10,300 (seats) and change so I think it’s a perfect venue… Once you really get it going, you have an opportunity to have great attendance,” Austin said.

Within the next couple of years, the WNBA is expected to have grown to some 15 teams. Other cities are also eyeing expansion include Denver, Milwaukee and Kansas City.

Tatum is hoping to make his hometown the next slam dunk.

“When the Cardinals are doing well, it’s great for the city. When the Rams were doing great, it was fantastic going down there to the dome. Obviously the Blues, but to have a professional basketball team… I think a WNBA team… professional sports in St. Louis is always good for your city,” Austin said.

One of the potential investors told 5 On Your Side he isn’t ready to comment publicly just yet.