$30 million WNBA practice facility included in Capital Improvements Budget
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In a note on the allocation, Metro Council explains that the funding is meant to attract professional women's basketball to Music City. For fiscal year 2026, there's been a funding request of $30,000.
According to Metro, the Capital Improvements Budget is 'a list of recommended capital improvements to the Mayor,' meaning that it acts more like a wishlist for city leaders than a steadfast budget. All infrastructure projects still require additional approval from departments like the Metro Planning Commission.
RELATED: What's in the Capital Improvements Budget?
Former Tennessee governor and owner of the Nashville Predators Bill Haslam and a group of investors have worked to bring a professional women's team to Nashville for years. They submitted a bid in January to create the team, which could be dubbed the 'Tennessee Summit' to honor legendary Tennessee Volunteers Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summitt.
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When the submission was announced, Haslam and other ownership partners said they wanted to develop 'a world-class practice facility' for the WNBA team that would also serve as a hub for youth basketball in the Nashville area.
JANUARY | 'Tennessee Summitt': Former governor, investors make bid to bring WNBA team to Nashville
'Having a WNBA team in Nashville will definitely attract more residents more businesses to Nashville,' Metro Councilmember Jennifer Gamble said.
Gamble added that she supports the WNBA coming to Nashville, believing the team would continue to positively transform the city.
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