Cleveland Wins Bid to Become 16th WNBA Franchise » Winsidr

The WNBA announced on Monday that Cleveland, Ohio has won the bid to become the location of its 16th franchise.

It’s a return to Cleveland for the league, as the [Cleveland] Rockers operated from 1997 until 2003.

“The WNBA’s return to Cleveland marks a pivotal moment for women’s sports. Years from now, we will reflect on this day as a truly monumental point in Cleveland’s sporting history,” said Dan Gilbert in a press release.

While the name of the franchise hasn’t been officially released, sources close to the situation say that the franchise is between four names for the team, with a return to the Rockers being in contention.

The franchise will begin play in 2028, making it three of the last four years with at least one new team beginning play (following Golden State in 2025 and Toronto and Portland in 2026). It plans to play its games at Rocket Arena, the arena that hosts the NBA’s Cavaliers. 

When the news was first rumored that Cleveland was in the running to get a franchise, local residents were ecstatic.

“Cleveland should have never lost its W team. The story behind why they left says a lot, and it’s almost symbolic of how far women’s sports have come,” said Allyssa Eclarin, owner of The W Sports Bar, the first women’s sports bar in Cleveland. “Back then, the ownership (read: men), didn’t value or prioritize it. Now, we’re finally seeing the recognition and respect these teams have always deserved.”

Atlanta Dream forward Naz Hillmon grew up in Cleveland, but was only three years old when the Rockers folded. But as a native of the area, she’s excited for the local fans to have a team to root for in their backyard.

“I think it’s so awesome to have a WNBA team back in Cleveland. I wasn’t old enough to remember it, but my mom, grandma, and my brother talk about how they were able to go to games and how exciting it was to have women’s basketball in the city,” Hillmon said. “So many people from Cleveland still follow me, so I think that’s amazing. I can’t wait to see what it looks like.”

Adding the WNBA franchise is just the latest investment in women’s sports that Cleveland is making. After losing their National Women’s Soccer League bid to Denver, Colorado, Cleveland, led by Gina Prodan Kelly, is bringing a second division Women’s Premier Soccer League Pro women’s team to the city.

“I think it’s amazing,” said resident Michelle Wagner-Skinner. “Cleveland has proven over the past couple of years how strong the support for women’s sports is in this city. We are so happy to back a home team.”

The investment team bringing the WNBA back to Cleveland is lead by Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who posted a record $250 million expansion fee.

Despite the record-high number posted, we’ve seen early returns for newer WNBA franchises.

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Last week, it was reported that the Golden State Valkyries ranked No. 1 in the league in team valuation with numbers up across the board.

Cleveland, with its large bid, will look for the same type of return.

“I know that Cleveland is going to show up and show out at all of the games,” Hillmon said.

And they will, as they’ve shown in their support for the Cavaliers, Guardians, and Browns. Cleveland is a sports city, and now, it’s a women’s sports city.

“As someone whose interest in sports is deeply tied to—and almost exclusively to—my local Cleveland teams, I’m really excited to get a WNBA team,” said downtown resident Sarah Wagner, who added that getting a women’s sports team is the gateway that she needs to get emotionally connected to women’s sports. “I’ll be getting season tickets ASAP.”

In addition to Cleveland starting play in 2028, the WNBA also announced expansion teams to Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030). This will bring the league up to 18 teams by the end of the decade.