Detroit rap icon Eminem is taking his passion for his city to the next level. This time, by backing the return of women’s professional basketball. The legendary MC, born Marshall Mathers, has joined a powerful group of investors helping to bring a WNBA expansion team to Detroit, marking the league’s long-awaited return to the Motor City.
Best known for reshaping hip-hop with his gritty, honest lyrics and multi-platinum albums, Eminem has recently been ramping up his presence in Detroit’s sports world. Over the past two NFL seasons, he’s been spotted cheering on the Lions during their playoff runs and even made a surprise appearance at the 2024 NFL Draft held in Detroit, performing a light-hearted skit with Hall of Famer Barry Sanders and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. Now, he’s lending his influence and resources to a major sports initiative for the city.
The WNBA officially confirmed that Detroit will be one of three cities, alongside Philadelphia and Cleveland, receiving new teams as part of the league’s expansion to 18 franchises. The Detroit team is scheduled to debut in the 2029 season.
Leading the Detroit bid is Tom Gores, owner of the Detroit Pistons, who emphasized that this effort is about more than just basketball. “This is a huge win for Detroit and the WNBA,” Gores said. “Detroit played a key role in the league’s early growth, and we’re proud to reignite that legacy… We’ve assembled an exceptional investor group that reflects the strength and diversity of Detroit.”
The group includes some of Detroit’s most recognized figures in both business and sports. NFL quarterback Jared Goff, who helped lead the Lions to back-to-back playoff appearances, is among the backers. Also on board is former NBA All-Star Grant Hill, a longtime supporter of basketball at all levels, and General Motors CEO Mary Barra, a trailblazing executive from the city’s automotive heart.
Eminem’s involvement highlights the strong cultural and emotional ties between Detroit’s creative community and its sports institutions. Long known as a supporter of the Pistons and Lions, Slim Shady has used his platform to promote the city’s talent and resilience. His involvement in the WNBA bid is just the latest move that aligns his legacy with Detroit’s resurgence.
The league initially planned to approve just one expansion team, but expanded that number due to overwhelming interest from over 10 cities, including Austin, Charlotte, Houston, and Kansas City. With the addition of Detroit, the WNBA is signaling a bold future, one that embraces the passion and potential of new markets.
And for Eminem, who once rapped about rising from 8 Mile to global fame, this new chapter is less about the spotlight and more about legacy, putting Detroit women’s basketball back on the map.
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