In a monumental moment for women’s professional sports in the South, former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam has officially unveiled the state’s first WNBA franchise—appropriately named the “Tennessee Summitt”—in a passionate tribute to the late coaching legend Pat Summitt. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the basketball world, stirring excitement not just in Tennessee, but nationwide.
Set to begin play in the 2026 WNBA season, the Tennessee Summitt will be headquartered in Knoxville, the very city where Pat Summitt built a college basketball dynasty at the University of Tennessee. Haslam, who also owns a minority stake in the NHL’s Nashville Predators and once owned the Cleveland Browns, has made his boldest move yet by investing heavily in women’s sports and doubling down on the state’s rich basketball legacy.
During the electric press conference held at Thompson-Boling Arena, Haslam was joined by WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert, local lawmakers, and several Tennessee Lady Vols alumnae to unveil the franchise’s logo, vision, and commitment to excellence.
“This is not just a sports team. It’s a movement,” Haslam declared. “We are here to honor Pat Summitt’s relentless pursuit of greatness and carry that tradition into the professional ranks. The Tennessee Summitt will compete, inspire, and dominate.”
Early response to the franchise has been overwhelmingly positive, with fan interest surging and season ticket pre-registration exceeding 25,000 within the first 48 hours. Apparel and merchandise for the Summitt sold out in several locations, reflecting a hunger in Tennessee for a homegrown professional women’s basketball powerhouse.
Recruitment for front-office leadership and coaching staff is already underway. Rumors have swirled around several former Lady Vols stars being considered for high-level roles within the organization, including legendary players such as Tamika Catchings and Kara Lawson. The team’s first general manager is expected to be named before the end of summer, with a head coach likely announced in early 2026.
Meanwhile, college programs across the country are keeping a close eye on the Summitt’s development, recognizing the potential for the franchise to lure elite talent and change the landscape of the WNBA. Knoxville, long revered as the spiritual home of women’s college basketball, now becomes a central player in the professional game.
With Haslam’s business acumen and civic commitment, coupled with Tennessee’s deep basketball culture, the Summitt is poised to rise quickly. The franchise name alone evokes fierce pride, high expectations, and historic pressure. But if anyone can meet those challenges, it’s a team born in the shadow of Pat Summitt’s legacy and backed by a community that breathes orange and white.
Tennessee’s new WNBA franchise has already achieved something rare: a franchise that feels like it’s been around forever, yet burns with the urgency of something new and bold. As the Tennessee Summitt prepares for their debut, the WNBA—and the sports world—better take notice. A revolution is stirring in Knoxville, and it’s dressed in orange and powered by a dream decades in the making.