Leaders Unsure if Detroit’s WNBA Team Brings Back ‘Shock’ Name

November 19, 2025

A women's basketball team is returning to Detroit in 2029, with "Shock" being one of several names under consideration by the ownership group led by Hadad. The Detroit City Council unanimously approved a brownfield tax abatement worth up to $34. 5 million to cover cleanup costs for a 75,000-square-foot practice facility and youth sports complex at the contaminated former Uniroyal site on East Jefferson Avenue.

Who is affected

Hadad and the ownership group bringing the WNBA team to Detroit
Detroit City Council members
Detroit basketball fans and residents
Ryan Reed, current owner of the "Shock" name and president of the Women's Basketball League
Detroiters for Tax Justice, led by activist Russ Bellant
Various community organizations supporting the facility
The Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority
Future users of the proposed youth sports complex

What action is being taken

The ownership group is exploring multiple name options for the team, including "Detroit Shock"
The ownership group is going through a process to consider team names and receiving suggestions
Detroit City Council approved a brownfield tax abatement for the project
Ryan Reed has been in communication with the WNBA about potentially relinquishing the "Shock" name

Why it matters

This represents the return of professional women's basketball to Detroit after a 21-year absence, bringing back memories of the team's three WNBA championships. The project involves significant public investment through tax abatements ($34.5 million) for environmental cleanup at a contaminated brownfield site, which will also create youth sports facilities for the community. The naming decision carries emotional significance for fans who remember the successful Detroit Shock franchise, though questions about ownership rights and community benefits processes have raised concerns about transparency and public accountability in using taxpayer resources.

What's next

The ownership group will make a determination on the team name over the next couple of years
The brownfield tax financing package requires state approval
The youth academy component will be developed later, separate from the practice facility
Potential resolution of the "Shock" name rights with Ryan Reed

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle