Meet the Cleveland Sirens
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The Sirens logo on the Rocket Arena Humongotron. Photos: Sam Allard/Axios
Would a Rocker by any other name smell as sweet? We'll soon find out.
Cleveland's WNBA franchise will be called the Sirens — a new brand identity tied to Lake Erie and mythical aquatic imagery.
Why it matters: Tuesday's unveiling capped a 13-month naming process that team officials say included thousands of fan surveys, focus groups and community conversations as Cleveland prepares to welcome the league's 16th franchise in 2028.
The big picture: As bubbles descended from the rafters of Rocket Arena, team president Allison Howard said the name was designed to stand on its own — rather than reference the Cavaliers — while celebrating Cleveland's waterfront and civic pride.
What they're saying: "The Cleveland Sirens are sharp, unapologetic, fearless and relentless," Howard said.
- "They are representative of this great region, our Great Lake and the city's great future."
Zoom in: The logo features a siren rising from Lake Erie, with five flowing waves of hair representing both the five players on the court and the five Great Lakes.
- The blue color palette pays homage to Lake Erie and the former Cleveland Rockers.
Between the lines: Grant Gilbert, a Cavs vice president and son of owner Dan Gilbert, said the name also lends itself to distinctive fan traditions and branding.
- "I can envision a sea of blue T-shirts" inside Rocket Arena, he said, and a "Siren scream" while opponents shoot free throws.
- "The potential of the name is endless."
By the numbers: The Sirens have hosted 40-plus community events throughout the region and secured 9,000 initial season-ticket deposits.
What's next: Fans can get an up-close look at the logos and merchandise during the free Cleveland Sirens Fan Fest at Edgewater Park on Aug. 8.