The WNBA is growing with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries as the 13th team for the 2025 season. New teams in Portland and Toronto have also been announced. Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers believes Cleveland would be a great location for another franchise.
“I believe Cleveland should have a WNBA team,” Mitchell stated after Friday’s practice. “It’s a city that is perfect for sports like this.”
Cleveland was once home to the Rockers from 1997 to 2003. Despite Gordan Gund, who also owned the Cavs, not finding a buyer for the team in 2002, the team ultimately folded after the following season. The WNBA has shown significant growth since then.
“I believe the WNBA is currently thriving,” Mitchell expressed. “There is a lot of competition and it has been this way for a while. People are finally starting to take notice of the great basketball being played. It’s gaining national attention now.”
This season has seen record viewership and attendance in the WNBA, partly due to the popularity of players like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The addition of emerging talents like Paige Bueckers next season will likely continue to increase the league’s popularity. Mitchell is eager to help bring a team back to Cleveland.
“I strongly believe Cleveland should have a team through expansion,” Mitchell added. “If that happens, I would love to be involved in that process.”
