In the landscape of American professional sports, the WNBA has steadily risen to prominence, capturing the hearts of fans from coast to coast. One former player with an unwavering vision for expanding the league is Fran Harris, a former University of Texas and Houston Comets standout. Harris is on a quest to establish a WNBA franchise in Austin, and her journey, albeit filled with challenges, is propelled by a deep passion for the sport and community.
One of the significant hurdles Harris faces in her endeavor is the increasing competition from other cities vying for a WNBA franchise. In 2023, only a handful of cities were in the running. However, as of Fall 2024, nearly twenty cities are showing interest, making the landscape more competitive than ever. “While I’m excited,” Harris reflects, “there’s increased competition that complicates our efforts in Austin.” The growing interest in women’s basketball signifies progress, but it also raises the stakes for securing a team in the Texas capital.
This is not just my team or the ownership group’s team; this is Austin’s team.
For Harris, engaging with the local community is paramount. “This is not just my team or the ownership group’s team; this is Austin’s team,” she emphasizes. Her approach focuses on inclusivity, fostering a sense of collective ownership among the residents. By breaking down barriers and actively engaging with the community, she hopes to build a team that reflects Austin’s values and aspirations. Harris plans to campaign tirelessly, connecting with fans, local businesses, and organizations through grassroots initiatives. “When people own something together, they take care of it,” she explains, highlighting the importance of communal engagement.
In terms of partnerships, Harris sees a wealth of opportunities for local businesses to align with the new franchise. Currently, Austin’s only major professional sports team is Austin FC, with the next closest being the University of Texas Athletics. A WNBA team would create more avenues for local businesses to participate in the burgeoning sports economy. “If there are businesses that haven’t been able to get involved with the University of Texas or Austin FC, we’ll be opening the doors wide for sponsorships and collaborations,” Harris asserts. This initiative promises not only to enrich the city’s business landscape but also to foster economic inclusion and growth.
Looking ahead, Harris has ambitious long-term goals for the franchise once established. She envisions the team competing at the highest level both on and off the court. “We want to be in the top 1% of every aspect of our organization,” she states boldly. Her aspirations include winning championships, nurturing community partnerships, and earning recognition through various awards reflecting excellence in performance and community engagement.
Finally, Harris invites anyone interested in supporting this monumental effort to get involved. She encourages fans and community members to visit the website WNBAAustin.com to join the initiative and stay updated on progress. “There are numerous ways to engage,” she notes, again underscoring the importance of community participation as the team prepares for a potential launch around the seasons of 2027 or 2028.
Fran Harris is not just bringing a team to Austin; she’s uniting a community around a shared dream—a dream of sporting excellence, enhanced economic opportunity, and an enduring legacy for women’s basketball in Texas. With her leadership and the support of the Austin community, a WNBA franchise may soon become a proud part of the city’s sports culture.
Learn more about #WinATX and follow their journey on Instagram.
