Cleveland WNBA franchise to launch in 2028
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The Cleveland Rockers huddle up in 2000. Photo: Doug Pensinger/Allsport via Getty Images
Pro women's basketball is officially coming back to Cleveland.
State of play: Cleveland has been awarded the 16th WNBA franchise and will begin play in 2028, the league announced Monday.
- The team will be owned and operated by Dan Gilbert's Rock Entertainment Group and play its home games at Rocket Arena.
The intrigue: The announcement did not specify if the franchise will revive the "Rockers" name, though that is the assumption of some local fans like Mayor Justin Bibb.
Catch up quick: The Rockers were one of the WNBA's original eight teams, playing from 1997 to 2003. Owner Gordon Gund folded the franchise after declining attendance and mounting financial losses.
What they're saying: "The WNBA's return to Cleveland marks a pivotal moment for women's sports," Gilbert said in a press release.
- "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."
Between the lines: The Cavaliers are currently constructing a training facility co-branded with Cleveland Clinic on the Cuyahoga riverfront.
- The Cavs will move their team operations there while the WNBA team will adopt the Cleveland Clinic Courts — the Cavs' current training facility in suburban Independence.
Zoom out: Surging interest in the WNBA has given league commissioner Cathy Engelbert confidence to pursue rapid expansion.
- The league will grow to 18 teams by 2030, with Cleveland joining new clubs in Golden State (2025), Toronto (2026), Portland (2026), Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030).
- In Portland, fans appear to have mixed feelings about bringing back the name of its original WNBA franchise, the "Fire."