Eminem joins expansion group to bring new sports franchise to Detroit

Eminem is known by many for his controversial rap albums and often outspoken nature. Yet in the Detroit sports world, he remains a constant contributor, and one of his songs was the Red Wings' goal song in 2024.

Now, he's set to join the WNBA as a founder, as he is helping to launch the newest franchise in Detroit as part of the ownership group.

The WNBA has confirmed that Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia are the latest cities to receive WNBA expansion franchises.

The Detroit ownership group is led by Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores, Marshall Mathers (Eminem), Detroit Lions QB Jared Goff, former Pistons player Grant Hill, Chris Webber (former Wolverine), Lions owner Sheila Hamp, and GM CEO Mary Barra.

A verifiable who's who, in Detroit, and some legends throw in the mix for good measure, with Webber, Goff, and Hill taking part in the launch.

The ownership group paid a total of $250 million in expansion fees and will play games in the Detroit Red Wings' home of Little Caesars Arena.

Instead of being purely driven by profit, Eminem has chosen this undertaking as a form of youth engagement and community development, which are causes he is known for participating in.

The WNBA's popularity is surging in America at the moment, and record viewership is undoubtedly helping the push to expand the league across the states.