Team #16 in the 216: The WNBA is Ready to Rock in Cleveland

Courtesy of Cleveland WNBA (@clevelandwnba)

Cleveland is officially getting a WNBA team, somebody pinch me right now!

For the first time since 2003, Cleveland will be home to a major professional women’s team. The WNBA’s 16th team is ready to rock in the 216 in 2028. Joining Cleveland in the WNBA expansion will be Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030.

“Cleveland is a city built on loyalty, pride, and a deep passion for the game of basketball,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “We’re excited to welcome Cleveland back to the WNBA at a time of extraordinary momentum for our league. As one of our original eight franchises, this city played a foundational role in the WNBA’s early days, and we’re honored to return and build on that legacy. We’re incredibly grateful to Dan Gilbert and Rock Entertainment Group for their commitment to bringing women’s professional basketball back to Northeast Ohio – and we can’t wait to see the impact this team will have on and off the court.”

Having a WNBA team in Cleveland is so incredibly important for the growth of women’s sports and the growth of the city. Cleveland fans are loyal and true to their teams, through thick and thin, and will show up and show out to support a women’s team that we’ve waited so long to have in our city again.

“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, Cleveland Cavaliers majority owner and Rock Entertainment Group Chairman. “The passion, support, and continued commitment of our community for our professional sports teams played an integral role in making this possible. We’re confident that this team will honor our city’s enthusiastic support of women’s sports, reinvigorate our WNBA fanbase, and help cultivate the next generation of women’s basketball enthusiasts and athletes. We’re grateful to the WNBA and Commissioner Engelbert for this opportunity and for their unwavering belief in Cleveland.”

Courtesy of Cleveland WNBA (@clevelandwnba)

Fans have already shown their support, as the team received over 1,000 initial payments for seats in the first hour following the official announcement. The city and its people are already behind the WNBA team.

In a post following the WNBA’s announcement, Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb said, “Proud to welcome the WNBA back to Cleveland. This is a win for our city – for our economy, for young people, and for the culture. Cleveland is ready.”

Cleveland has been eagerly waiting to become a part of the growth of women’s sports and to have a team to embrace and call our own. This is a major win for women’s sports, for Cleveland, and for women in Cleveland.

“We can’t wait to be a beacon of hope and aspiration for all the girls and women that look up to the players and the WNBA,” said Nic Barlage, Chief Executive Officer of Rock Entertainment Group.

Cleveland heard from its two All-Star guards across the Cavs’ social media pages following the announcement from the WNBA.

“We’re super excited to welcome the WNBA to The Land. Can’t wait to come watch some games and come and support,” said point guard Darius Garland.

“We’re excited. I know the fans are. I know the city’s excited. It’s gonna be a lot of fun. I’m excited to watch some games. Welcome W! Welcome to Cleveland, and we’ll see you soon!” said shooting guard Donovan Mitchell.

While the team does not have a name yet, the team will be ready to rock at Rocket Arena, home to the Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters, giving the venue a summer tenant. The name “Rockers,” Cleveland’s WNBA team from 1997-2003 will be in consideration, as Rock Entertainment Group works to build a brand and identity that perfectly fits the team and city.

Whether we’re donning the Rockers in blue and orange, or something new, I know I can speak for all Cleveland fans when I say we are so excited to have a WNBA team in our city again.

“This is more than basketball. It’s an exciting new chapter in women’s sports and a win for our city, for fans, and for the next generation of athletes and leaders. Let’s go, Cleveland!” Gilbert said.

The wait? It’s over! It’s over! Cleveland is home to a WNBA team once again!