Imagine a bustling waterfront in Detroit transforming from a forgotten industrial relic into the beating heart of women's basketball and youth empowerment—now that's a vision that's got everyone talking! But here's where it gets exciting: this isn't just about sports; it's a bold step toward revitalizing a historic site with potential for controversy. Let's dive into the details of this ambitious proposal, breaking it down step by step so even newcomers to the city's revitalization efforts can follow along easily. Think of it as a friendly chat over coffee about how a once-abandoned lot could spark Detroit's comeback story.
Proposed WNBA Headquarters and Youth Sports Hub to Rise on Detroit Riverfront at Old Uniroyal Location
By Jack Nissen
Published October 15, 2025 2:14pm EDT
Imagine this: a conceptual sketch showing the envisioned transformation of the former Uniroyal Site along the Detroit River, turning neglected land into a vibrant sports and community center.
(FOX 2) - Residents and sports enthusiasts alike are encouraged to attend an upcoming gathering on Wednesday to discuss plans for transforming the old Uniroyal Site on the Detroit River into a hub for a potential expansion of the Women's National Basketball Association.
This expansive 42-acre parcel would serve as the home base for a future Detroit WNBA squad, complete with a headquarters and a dedicated facility for nurturing young athletes.
The projected schedule aims to wrap up the entire development by 2032, with building activities kicking off as early as 2027.
Detroit's Path to WNBA Expansion
Back in June, Detroit officially joined the WNBA's growth wave when it was revealed that the city would welcome a new franchise starting in 2029.
Having once been the proud home to the Detroit Shock, the city has been without a women's professional basketball team for quite some time. This summer, Detroit was selected alongside two other locations to launch fresh teams, pushing the WNBA's total roster to 15 franchises.
Expect the squad to take the court at Little Caesars Arena, the same venue that hosts the Pistons and the Red Wings. The announcement also hinted at future plans for a dedicated training space, which brings us to the current proposal.
A Broader Perspective on the Initiative
The idea for the Detroit WNBA team's training grounds was shared with the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority in October. Leading the charge is Richard Haddad, an executive vice president of the Pistons who manages corporate and property development for the organization.
Official blueprints (accessible via https://www.degc.org/files/ugd/5bbdb1355b8df2b8544f2c96f4a699f1cf8851.pdf) pinpoint 6000 E. Jefferson as the location for a 75,000-square-foot multi-disciplinary athletic center featuring these key components:
- A 75,000-square-foot headquarters and training area for the Detroit WNBA.
- A 100,000-square-foot Youth Development Academy.
- Numerous outdoor and indoor playing fields for various sports.
The estimated price tag sits at around $50 million, promising to generate 71 long-term positions. Additionally, up to 291 temporary roles would emerge during the building phase.
Project Timeline Breakdown
Assuming no unexpected hurdles, groundwork to prepare the area will start in 2026, with the land slated to be fully primed for construction by 2027.
Following that, actual building work will begin in 2027, targeting completion just in time for the 2029 WNBA season.
Related Updates
How You Can Get Involved
If you're eager to share your thoughts on this plan, mark your calendar for the public session on Wednesday at 5 p.m. at the Cred Café located on Jefferson Avenue in Detroit.
For more in-depth information, check out this link: https://www.degc.org/files/ugd/5bbdb11aa74bd73d654980ab51c1679a466e57.pdf.
The History and Challenges of the Former Uniroyal Site
This site has lingered as a visual blight for decades, though a portion was recently repurposed for community use. In 2023, the Detroit Riverwalk was introduced as a 3.5-mile walkway (explore more at https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/detroit-riverwalk-unveils-3-5-mile-expansion-connecting-downtown-to-belle-isle), bridging from Mt. Elliott Park to Belle Isle.
Yet, the remaining riverfront land next to the walkway remains undeveloped. It once operated as an aging tire production factory that shut down in 1980.
Restoring the land to a usable state comes with a hefty bill. Contaminants like persistent "forever" chemicals, asbestos-laden materials, and unstable substances pollute the soil, requiring thorough cleanup before any construction can proceed. For those new to environmental remediation, think of it as a deep cleaning process to remove harmful leftovers from past industrial activities—essential for safety, but time-consuming and costly.
And this is the part most people miss: while the potential for economic boost and community joy is clear, some might argue it's a risky gamble on contaminated land. Is prioritizing sports development over other urban needs fair, or could this spark gentrification debates? What do you think—should cities like Detroit focus on athletic facilities when infrastructure elsewhere might need attention? Drop your opinions in the comments; we'd love to hear if you see this as a home run or a potential foul ball!
This piece draws from Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority planning docs and prior coverage.
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