Tennessee’s WNBA bid unites fans from UConn rivalry

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The historic rivalry between the Tennessee Lady Vols and the UConn Huskies is one of the most well-known in women’s basketball. But while the teams battled on the court Thursday night, fans from both sides found common ground in their admiration for legendary coach Pat Summitt and the push to bring a WNBA team to Nashville in her honor.

“Pat Summitt is actually the reason I love Tennessee,” one fan said. “I look up to her even though I’m a UConn fan.”

Former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam is leading the bid to bring a WNBA expansion team to Nashville, with plans to name it after Summitt who won eight national championships and transformed women’s basketball.

“I developed a great appreciation for women’s basketball and what it looks like to compete,” Haslam said. “And nobody’s name says compete like Pat’s.”

The ownership group behind the bid features several high-profile names, including former Lady Vol and WNBA champion Candace Parker, Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and country music stars Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

“When Candace was here for the Tennessee-Alabama game, we met for breakfast. She started leaning in, and I thought, ‘Well, Candace, if we did this, would you want to be involved?’ And she said a really quick, ‘Yes,’” Haslam said.

Though the bid process is still in its early stages, excitement is already building. Several former Lady Vols say they’re eager to see the team become a reality—and even be part of it.

“For it to happen in my home city? I’m telling you—I’d be the first one to sign up to play on that team,” said former Tennessee star Isabelle Harrison.

“If any place deserves a pro team, it’s here,” said former Lady Vol Jordan Horston.

While the WNBA has yet to make a decision, Haslam and his group remain optimistic. If successful, Tennessee could soon be home to a professional women’s basketball team that carries on Summitt’s legacy for generations to come.