title
A resolution expressing support for a Women's National Basketball Association franchise in Nashville.
body
WHEREAS, the Women's National Basketball Association ("WNBA") seeks to add an expansion team to its league in the near future; and
WHEREAS, an ownership group led by former Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam and First Lady Crissy Haslam have announced their intent to bid for a professional women's basketball team to play at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville; and
WHEREAS, the prospective team would be named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of Pat Summitt, the legendary former coach of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program; and
WHEREAS, the ownership group also includes Lady Vol star Candace Parker, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Peyton Manning; and
WHEREAS, Nashville would serve as an ideal home for a WNBA franchise, as Nashville and Middle Tennessee have a long and storied tradition of supporting women's basketball at collegiate and high school levels; and
WHEREAS, Nashville successfully hosted a sold-out 2014 NCAA Women's Final Four, establishing that the region would support women's basketball at some of its highest levels; and
WHEREAS, Nashville and Middle Tennessee would embrace an expansion WNBA franchise and provide an environment where a team could thrive and succeed; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Metropolitan Council to support the efforts to bring a WNBA franchise to Nashville and will welcome the team and when and if a franchise is approved.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY THAT:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as expressing its support of efforts to bring a Women's National Basketball Association to Nashville and Davidson County.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it....
Click here for full text