WNBA franchise leaving Detroit

The Detroit Shock are taking their three WNBA Championships to Tulsa, Okla., The Associated Press reported Monday.

A team official told The Associated Press of the organization’s plans to move the team to Tulsa on Monday, speaking on the condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to make the announcement.

The Shock entered the WNBA in 1998 and won titles in 2008, 2006 and 2003.

Tulsa Pro Hoops LCC, headed by investor Bill Cameron, has spoken of its interest in buying a WNBA team. The group expects a decision from the league by the end of October and hopes the team can be in Tulsa by the start of next season.

Last month, Cameron and investor David Box announced former Tulsa and Arkansas coach Nolan Richardson would be the team’s coach and general manager if the group got a franchise.

In the 2003 WNBA Finals, Detroit drew a record-crowd of 22,076 fans — the largest crowd to watch a women’s professional basketball game — but has seen its support dwindle in recent seasons.