Ex-Detroit Pistons star inches closer to competing $1.6 billion rich Magic Johnson with WNBA team acquisition

Grant Hill, co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks, is making a bold move to expand his sports portfolio. The former NBA star is now setting his sights on the WNBA, following in the footsteps of Magic Johnson, whose investments have made him a powerhouse in sports ownership. Hill, part of a $3.8 billion franchise, is seizing a second opportunity to grow his influence in basketball. With this latest move, he inches closer to rivaling Johnson’s legacy, proving that his impact extends far beyond his playing days.

Grant Hill is looking to expand his sports ownership rivaling Magic Johnson in the WNBA

NBA legend Grant Hill’s sports ownership portfolio as he built his empire as co-owner of the NBA's Atlanta Hawks and a part-owner of Orlando City SC (MLS) and Orlando Pride (NWSL). A similar trait as NBA legend Magic Johnson who made a stunning $1.6 billion fortune with his different business ventures including the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks and the NFL's Washington Commanders.

On Friday, Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores submitted a bid for a new NBA team named Detroit Shock in Detroit. His ownership group includes high-profile figures such as Detroit Lions principal owner Sheila Ford Hamp, former Pistons stars Grant Hill and Chris Webber, and GM CEO Mary Barra. Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is also part of the bid, aiming to bring a fresh NBA team to the Motor City.

“This is an exciting opportunity to welcome the WNBA back to Detroit and bring additional investment and economic activity into the city,” Gores said in a statement. “For the WNBA this is home, and our bid represents an unprecedented opportunity for the league to come full circle and effect a long-hoped-for Detroit homecoming. No city is more prepared to embrace the team as a community asset that drives unity and common ground,” he added.

In a recent Instagram post, the former NBA star Webber who played for the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings, gave a glimpse of the potential WNBA team.

“Shout out to Tom Gores and the Ownership Group. We are focused on bringing a WNBA team Back to Detroit!” Webber wrote on Instagram. “So excited for the fans in Michigan! So excited for the City! So excited about women’s Hoops and So excited for girldads like me… Was going to post about how I much fun it is coaching my daughters 2nd grade team…THE CHEETAH GIRLS… But now I can’t wait until our next practice to tell them about this!” he added.

Also Read: 1.6 billion rich Lakers legend Magic Johnson reportedly eyes a return to the NBA in a new role

Certainly, Webber and Hill are emotionally attached to Detroit, where they once played basketball. The Detroit Shock was a WNBA team based in Auburn Hills, Michigan, from 1998 to 2009. During their time in Detroit, they won three WNBA Championships in 2003, 2006, and 2008. In 2009, the team moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, before relocating again in 2015 to Arlington, Texas, where they are now known as the Dallas Wings. Now, Hill and Co. are looking to bring back the team in an expansion. As of now, the team WNBA has 13 teams, however, with the newly proposed deal the league is expected to expand with two more teams including Detroit Shock by 2026.