Detroit Shock built a dynasty in the 2000's: A look back at their 3 championships

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A previous version contained incorrect years the Shock were in Detroit. They were in the city from 1998-2009.

* A new WNBA expansion team is set to return to Detroit in 2029 with a $250 million expansion fee.

* The Shock's dynasty years were marked by young talent and a passionate fan base.

The Detroit Shock in its heyday were among the best dynasties in the WNBA. Winning championships in 2003, 2006 and 2009 show their domination of the era.

While it has yet to be determined if the latest version of the Detroit's WNBA team will take the same nickname, the future team's roots are firmly in planted in the legacy of the original Shock.

Founded in 1998, the team's moniker honored Detroit's automotive roots, according to a release from the Detroit Sports Commission, as shock absorbers, are essential to a smooth-running vehicle.

The Shock, a part of the first WNBA expansion in 1998, struggled in its early years. The team ended its 2002 season 9-23 as the worst team in the league.

The Shock quickly turned it around the next year however, earning a win-loss record of 25-9, scoring 75.1 points per game, according to Basketball Reference.

2003: Shock beats LA behind Ford

With the addition of Cheryl Ford, the team's third pick in the WNBA draft and 2003 WNBA Rookie of the Year, the team went on to win beat the Los Angeles Sparks to capture their first title, winning the series 2-1.

"We were young, we were selfless, we were hungry," said Ruth Riley, who arrived in Detroit as a newcomer in 2003, during a pregame panel with Pistons and Shock fans. "We just loved the game and you could tell that passion every time we stepped on the court. Even though we were young, we believed that we could win.

"To be able to have the group that we did and all of that come together, the battle against (Los Angeles) in the Finals. We did represent the city of Detroit. Hard-working, blue collar. Seeing the Palace filled to the brim of people that we loved, and we loved to play for and loved to represent. That meant a lot for a lot of us."

As one of the youngest teams in the WNBA at the time, the 2003 Detroit Shock had four starters who were 23 years old or younger.

The most experienced player among their top rotation, Kedra Holland-Corn, of Flint, was 28 at the time.

They were quickly embraced by Detroit and Southeast Michigan, drawing more than 20,000 fans for playoff games at the Palace of Auburn Hills. They went from from one of the worst teams in the league to the best with coach Bill Laimbeer, a two-time NBA champion center with the Detroit Pistons leading the way.

2006: Shock win during Mariah Carey concert

In 2006, the Shock beat the defending champions the Sacramento Monarchs in five games, after both teams stole a game from each other on the road.

The Shock beat the Monarchs, 80-75, at the Joe Louis Arena in downtown Detroit to claim the title.

Game 5 was moved to the Joe because of a scheduling conflict with a Mariah Carey concert at the Palace.

2008: Shock sweeps Silver Stars

The Shock once again found themselves competing for a title in 2008. Katie Smith, who that year also won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing, earned the finals MVP, averaging 21.7 ppg.

The Shock beat the San Antonio Silver Stars on the road and at home in the first two games and cruised their way to a Game 3 victory, capturing their third title in six seasons.

2007: Almost a fourth title

The Shock made it back to the WNBA Finals in 2007 and nearly won a fourth title. However, they lost to the Phoenix Mercury in five games.

Detroit dropped Game 5, 108-92, at the Palace at Auburn Hills. The Mercury became the first WNBA team to claim a title on the road.

Why did the Detroit Shock leave?

The Detroit Shock faced an uphill battle, garnering attention in a region with four major professional sports teams, according to media reports.

After owner Bill Davidson died in 2009, his wife, Karen, began liquidating his estate's assets and both the Shock and Pistons were sold.

The team lost $2 million in their final season in the Motor City, Palace Sports president Tom Wilson said with an economic downturn in the Detroit metropolitan area playing a role.

"The Shock has been a true force in the WNBA, but the fact of the matter is that the economic realities have caused us to make this decision," he said.

What are newest WNBA expansion teams?

The league added the Golden State Valkyries, owned by the NBA's Golden State Warriors, two years ago and they started play when during 2025 season.

In 2024, the WNBA added the Toronto Tempo, owned by the NBA's Toronto Raptors, for the 2026 season. Also, starting in 2026 will be the yet-to-be named Portland team, owned by the NBA's Portland Trail Blazers.

Detroit WNBA expansion fee

Detroit's new WNBA team is set to return play in the 2029 as one of four teams starting play over the next four seasons.

The owners paid a $250 million expansion fee, the Free Press confirmed, five times more than the Valkyries paid in 2023.

Every WNBA team's valuation is up more than 100% in the past year, according to a Sportico report in June.

The team is scheduled to play in Little Caesars Arena.

Who else bid for WNBA expansion team?

These ownership groups did not receive WNBA expansion franchises.

A Nashville, Tennessee, group, backed by WNBA legend Candace Parker and NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Peyton Manning, applied. That group wants to name the team the Nashville Summitt as an homage to late University of Tennessee women's basketball coach Pat Summitt.

An Austin, Texas, group, backed by NBA start Kevin Durant, franchise was considering applying late last year.

Other expansion bids reportedly were made by Kansas City (backed by NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes), St. Louis (Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum), Houston (Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta) and Milwaukee.

Detroit Free Press contributed reporting.

Jalen Williams covers trends and breaking news at the Detroit Free Press. Have an idea about a Detroit Shock story? Reach him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.