Oct 10, 2025 - News

Developer seeks $40M tax help for WNBA site cleanup

Joe Guillen

The WNBA development proposed on the 42-acre former Uniroyal site. Courtesy of the Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.

The WNBA practice facility envisioned for the east riverfront on the old Uniroyal industrial site requires a costly environmental cleanup, the Pistons-affiliated developer told public officials this week.

Why it matters: On Wednesday, the developer met with a Detroit Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (DBRA) committee to discuss a tax incentive capture valued at $40.6 million over 30 years to help pay for the cleanup, the Free Press reported.

Developer W-Detroit Property LLC also plans to seek a $9.1 million commercial property tax abatement for the project.

Catch up quick: The WNBA is returning to Detroit in 2029 as part of a three-team expansion plan announced in June.

The still-unnamed team will play home games at Little Caesars Arena. The former Uniroyal site will be home to a practice facility and team headquarters expected to open for the 2029 season, public documents show.
A youth sports development academy and outdoor athletic fields will also be built on the site.

What's next: The DBRA's community advisory committee won't decide on approving the Brownfield tax capture until after an Oct. 15 public meeting on the project, per the Freep.

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Developer seeks $40M tax help for WNBA site cleanup

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