News Summary
Cleveland prepares for the launch of its new WNBA franchise, marking a significant milestone for women’s basketball in Ohio. Majority Owner Dan Gilbert leads the effort to revitalize women’s professional basketball with community engagement events planned. Excitement from fans is evident with nearly 7,000 seat payments processed. The team’s official name will be unveiled in early 2026, and they aim to build a legacy of support for women’s sports in the region.
Cleveland is preparing for the launch of its new Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise, which will become the league’s 16th expansion team. The announcement, made on June 30, 2023, marks a significant milestone for women’s basketball in Ohio and comes after a competitive bidding process won by Cleveland Cavaliers Majority Owner Dan Gilbert.
The franchise aims to contribute to the development of basketball talent while revitalizing women’s professional basketball in the state. Grant Gilbert, Vice President of the Cleveland Cavaliers, expressed pride in the team’s establishment, highlighting its role in bringing women’s basketball back to the region. The WNBA leaders view Cleveland’s addition to the league as coming at a transformative moment in its history, optimistic about the support from passionate fans and the community for women’s sports.
With initial interest from fans showing remarkable enthusiasm, nearly 7,000 seat payments have been processed as of the announcement date. The team plans to reveal its official name in January or February 2026, with home games set to take place at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. Practices will be held at Cleveland Clinic Court in Independence.
The franchise is not only focused on its future team but also on community engagement. To foster basketball development among young girls, the WNBA will organize 28 community events across Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and western New York until June 30, 2026. These events will include camps, clinics, developmental programs, and coaching sessions aimed at empowering and inspiring young female athletes.
Cleveland’s previous WNBA team, the Rockers, was active from 1997 until 2003. Following this new announcement, there is a revived interest in women’s professional basketball in the area. The economic impact of prior women’s basketball events has been noteworthy, with the city’s Final Four generating a $35 million boost. Such success reinforces the belief in the strong potential for the newly established franchise to thrive.
As part of its preparation, the franchise is also focused on branding. Merchandise for the new team has already exceeded sales expectations, indicating high community interest. Leadership aims to build a unique and inclusive brand that prioritizes engagement with supporters and the broader community. Plans are in place to hire full-time staff members, including those in key roles such as ticket sales, corporate partnerships, and basketball operations.
Another aspect of community involvement includes engaging local residents in the naming process for the new franchise. Surveys and feedback will guide the selection, with the previous name “Rockers” being a potential option. To promote involvement and accessibility, initial season ticket deposits are being set at the symbolic price of $28, commemorating the year of the team’s inaugural season.
The Cleveland WNBA team is scheduled to play its inaugural season in 2028, joining two additional expansion teams, Detroit and Philadelphia, that will debut in 2029 and 2030, respectively. As excitement builds leading up to 2028, the decisions made in the coming months regarding branding, community involvement, and team operations will be pivotal in establishing a successful presence in the WNBA landscape. The focus remains clear: build a legacy of support and success for women’s sports in Cleveland, contributing positively to the future of young female athletes in the region.
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Additional Resources
- Cleveland 19 News
- Wikipedia: Women’s National Basketball Association
- Crain’s Cleveland Business
- Google Search: Cleveland WNBA
- WKYC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Basketball
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