The chairman of the NHL’s Nashville Predators and his wife, Bill Haslam, aim to introduce a WNBA franchise in Nashville, collaborating with an impressive group of investors including Candace Parker, Pro Football Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, and entertainers Tim McGraw and Faith Hill.

The investor group submitted their proposal to the WNBA on Thursday for a team expected to compete starting in 2028, named the Tennessee Summitt in memory of the late Pat Summitt. Haslam expressed a vision for recognizing the global rise of women’s professional sports.

“We believe a WNBA team in Nashville could act as an inspiration for girls and women throughout Tennessee, while also expanding options for sports fans as our community flourishes,” Haslam stated.

The proposal also includes plans for a practice facility that could serve youth basketball as well.

“Tennessee embodies the essence of women’s basketball,” Parker added. “I am thrilled to support the effort to introduce a WNBA team to the state and to honor Coach Summitt’s legacy.”

Parker, a three-time WNBA champion, contributed significantly to Summitt’s success at the University of Tennessee. Summitt was a pioneer in women’s sports, leading the Lady Vols for 38 years with an impressive record of 1,098 wins and 208 losses.

“I know she would be proud and honored to be part of the growth of women’s professional basketball in Tennessee,” said Tyler Summitt.

The team will call Bridgestone Arena home, which also hosts the Predators. Haslam began acquiring a majority stake in the Predators in 2022.

With the WNBA planning to add three teams in the next couple of years, the league aims to enhance its roster to 15, with the possibility of a 16th team by the 2028 season. Cleveland also submitted a bid for a WNBA franchise last November.