Jayson Tatum unable to comment on WNBA expansion bid from St. Louis, but more information is expected soon

CHARLOTTE — Jayson Tatum explores to help bring a WNBA the team at St. Louis as the fast-growing league continues to look to add franchises. According to a report by Sportico’s Jacob FeldmanTatum has informally agreed to invest in an ownership offer that would bring a franchise to his hometown.

“Tatum has informally agreed to invest in the team if it comes to fruition and help behind the scenes pitch the group to both other potential high-profile investors and the league itself, according to sources involved in the bid,” the report said to Feldman. .

At the Celtics game Friday morning, Tatum declined to share more information about her interest in seeing a WNBA team in St. Louis. Louis.

“I can’t talk too much about it right now, but there will be a time when I can and I will be able to elaborate,” Tatum said.

The potential property group in St. Louis is co-managed by billionaires Richard Chaifetz and David Hoffman, according to Sportico. Chaifetz has invested in a number of professional sports teams, while Hoffman is a real estate developer who also owns the minor league affiliate St. Louis Blues.

Why might Jayson Tatum be involved?

From a business standpoint, it’s no surprise that Jayson Tatum has explored co-ownership of a WNBA team—he’s been involved in a variety of endeavors, including launching a shoe with Jordan Brand, co-authoring a picture bookbecoming the face of Coach and partnering with Gatorade, Ruffles, and Subway, among a host of other companies. It seems that whenever there’s a business opportunity, Tatum and his team have helped explore it, and with the booming growth of the WNBA over the past few years, Tatum looking into part ownership of the WNBA seems to align with its history. of various investments.

Tatum also maintained a close relationship with his hometown throughout his professional basketball career with the Celtics. his foundation, Jayson Tatum Foundation, collaborated with local organizations in St. Louis since 2017, including launching a 2017 hurricane relief effort, multiple backpacking trips, and numerous other charitable events. He also hosts a JT Elite summer camp in St. Louis for some of the best high school and college basketball players in the country. In August, he threw out a first pitch before a St. Louis Cardinals.

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Owning a stake in a WNBA franchise is now a legitimate possibility for NBA players. Players are allowed to own up to 4 percent of a WNBA franchise, according to the most recent the collective labor contract. Tatum, who signed the largest contract in NBA history in July, is now in the mix for such an investment.

Where else could the WNBA expand?

Last season, the WNBA included 12 active twelve teams, with three more in the works. The Golden State Valkyries are set to join next season, while Toronto and Portland will both officially enter the WNBA in 2025. That brings the total to 15 — and it’s believed the league will want an additional team to round things out at 16 by 2026.

A number of other cities have explored establishing a WNBA team in their city, including Philadelphia, Miami, Milwaukee, Charlotte and Denver, among others. Boston has also been floated as another potential location for a team, though Property Connecticut Sun stated that they would not support such an offer.

In a press conference before the WNBA Finals, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said there were about 10 teams that were interested in becoming the No. 1 franchise. 16.

“The good news is that we have a lot of demand from many cities. I would say 10 or so, maybe even more right now, because I think the more people watch the WNBA and see what we’re growing here…they see the economic impact of a WNBA team in their city, the role model in the community that these players represent,” Engelbert said.

Could St. Louis really be next?

Missouri’s capital does not currently have an NBA team — although St. Louis has an NHL team, the Blues, and an MLB team, the Cardinals. The city hasn’t had an NBA team since 1968, but now with Tatum’s involvement, it could be one step closer to hosting a professional basketball team in a region that has long lacked WNBA representation .