The WNBA revealed on Monday that Cleveland, Ohio, has secured the 16th franchise in the league. Previously, the Cleveland Rockers played from 1997 to 2003, and now the league is making a comeback in the city. Dan Gilbert highlighted this milestone, calling it a significant moment for women’s sports and a historic day for Cleveland’s sports scene.
Although the franchise’s official name hasn’t been announced, sources say it’s narrowed down to four potential names, with a possibility of reviving the Rockers name. The team will start competing in 2028, joining a growing list of new teams after Golden State in 2025 and Toronto and Portland in 2026. Their home games will be held at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, the same arena where the NBA Cavaliers play.
Local residents have welcomed the news warmly. Allyssa Eclarin, owner of Cleveland’s first women’s sports bar, expressed delight in seeing the WNBA’s return, emphasizing how much women’s sports have progressed since the Rockers left due to a lack of support from male ownership. Atlanta Dream forward Nas Hillmon, a Cleveland native, shared her excitement about having a hometown team again, recalling her family’s past enthusiasm for women’s basketball in Cleveland.
The addition of the WNBA team is part of Cleveland’s broader commitment to women’s sports, following the city’s efforts to bring professional women’s soccer through the Women’s Premier Soccer League after missing out on a national league bid. Local fan Michel Wagner Sinner praised Cleveland’s strong support for women’s athletics.
The ownership group, led by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, is optimistic about the franchise’s future success. Following the Golden State Valkyries’ recent ranking as the top team in league evaluations, Cleveland is hopeful for strong fan engagement and competitive performance. Hillmon is confident Cleveland fans will show up and support their team passionately, reflecting the city’s well-known dedication to its sports teams like the Cavaliers, Guardians, and Browns.
Fans eagerly await the start of play in 2028. Additionally, WNBA expansion is planned for Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030, which will grow the league to 18 teams by the decade’s end.
Fan Take: The return of the WNBA to Cleveland is a powerful symbol of growth and renewed investment in women’s professional sports. For WNBA fans, it marks an exciting chance to reconnect with the league’s history and witness the expansion of basketball opportunities for women in a passionate sports city.
