Eminem is making headlines once again, this time for his efforts to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to Detroit. The iconic rapper is reportedly part of a group led by Tom Gores, the billionaire owner of the Detroit Pistons, aimed at expanding women’s basketball across the United States.
This initiative involves a coalition of prominent sports owners, executives, and athletes from Detroit, including stakeholders from the Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, and Detroit Lions. While an anonymous source shared the news with Sportico, a representative for Eminem clarified to Rolling Stone that he has only “expressed interest” in joining the group and that “no deal has been finalized” at this stage.
The WNBA currently has 13 teams and is set to expand in the coming years, with new franchises already confirmed for San Francisco, Portland, and Toronto. The league aims to add at least one more team by 2028, with Detroit hoping to be part of this growth. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert is expected to make a decision regarding the expansion within the next year.
Eminem’s involvement in this initiative aligns perfectly with his roots in Detroit. The rapper has long expressed his love and pride for the city that shaped him. In a 2013 interview with Shade 45, he reflected on Detroit’s influence on his life and artistry, saying, “Despite all the bad shit that you hear in the press… I love my city and I feel like definitely Detroit – every aspect of my life – helped me.”
He further emphasized the underdog spirit of Detroit, stating, “I want to be there to say, ‘What the fuck?’” His commitment to supporting local initiatives highlights his desire to uplift his hometown and contribute positively to its community.
As Eminem continues to champion causes that resonate with his identity, fans are eager to see how his efforts will unfold in bringing a WNBA team to Detroit, potentially adding a new chapter to the city’s rich sports legacy.
