Lady Vols legend Candace Parker delivers heartfelt message about honoring the legendary Pat Summitt with WNBA team name
Lady Vols legend Candace Parker is a part of an ownership group, along with Peyton Manning, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Bill and Crissy Haslam, that's trying to bring a WNBA team to Nashville. If the ownership bid is successful, the team — which would be named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary Lady Vols […]
Lady Vols legend Candace Parker is a part of an ownership group, along with Peyton Manning, Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, and Bill and Crissy Haslam, that's trying to bring a WNBA team to Nashville.
If the ownership bid is successful, the team — which would be named the Tennessee Summitt in honor of legendary Lady Vols coach Pat Summitt — would begin play in Bridgestone Arena in 2028.
Parker, who played for Summitt from 2004 to 2008, penned a heartfelt message on Thursday (via Instagram) on what it would mean to her to be able to honor the late Summitt by bringing a WNBA team to Nashville.
"This is a real pinch-me moment," wrote Parker. "When I first came to Tennessee in 2004, I was hopeful it would be a place I’d call home for 4 years. As soon as I got to the state, however, I realized I was wrong and that in fact, I found a place I’d always know as home. This state is special – from the people to the culture, from the mountains to the cities – and everywhere I go I’m PROUD to say I bleed Orange. If you know me, you know how important and impactful Coach Summitt IS on my life. Coach makes me the best version of myself as a mother, wife, daughter, sister, teammate, and person.
"I’m honored that we are submitting a bid to the WNBA today for a franchise to be named in her honor. Tennessee is the DNA of everything women’s basketball stands for. I’m excited to be part of the group working to bring a WNBA team to the state and honor Coach Summitt’s legacy."
Everything from the team name to the logo to the location of the team feels perfect, but there's no guarantee Parker's group will win the bid for what will be the WNBA's 16th team.
Ownership groups representing Detroit and Cleveland have also submitted bids to be the WNBA's 16th team.
At least six cities are expected to make bids.
