Tulsa WNBA hopes take a big step forward

TULSA, OK--The group that is attempting to bring a major league women’s basketball franchise to Tulsa has officially applied for a WNBA franchise.

    Tulsa Pro Hoops LLC, the group of investors behind the movement to bring the team to life have achieved their goals and are ready to move forward.  A decision from the WNBA is expected by the end of October.  If the team is approved it will play in Tulsa’s BOK Center and be coached by former TU and Arkansas Razorbacks coach Nolan Richardson.

    The effort to bring Tulsa into the WNBA has been in full swing since August, when it was made public that investors were interested in locating a team here.  WNBA president Donna Orender has visited Tulsa several times and has had many good things to say about Tulsa, the BOK Center, and the efforts to bring a team here.  Progress toward that goal has been steady and with the announcement of the actual application for WNBA membership being made it’s very possible that Tulsa sports fans will be headed downtown to see a major league sport come Spring 2010.

    Season ticket sales are in full swing.  You can check out how much a seat for all 17 home games would cost you by visiting www.wnbatulsa.com.  The team will play 34 regular season games total plus the playoffs.  If the WNBA team is approved it will further solidify downtown Tulsa as the place to go and see sports in the city, as the Tulsa Oilers hockey team, the Tulsa Talons arena football team, the Tulsa 66ers NBA D-league taem and the Tulsa Drillers all call downtown Tulsa home.