In a significant growth for the WNBA, reviews from Sports activities Enterprise Journal point out that the league is gearing as much as announce its subsequent enlargement franchise, and Cleveland is rising because the probably vacation spot.
It’d mark the return of the WNBA to Cleveland — a metropolis that after hosted the unique Rockers from 1997-2003.
The workforce was one of many unique eight franchises of the league, and the proprietor on the time was Gordon Gund, who additionally owned the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers from 1983-2005.
Cleveland would observe within the footsteps of the Golden State Valkyries, who will enter the league this season, and the Toronto Tempo, who will take part 2026.
Nevertheless, it’s not simply Cleveland producing buzz.
Philadelphia has additionally emerged as a transparent front-runner for a future franchise, in response to the Philadelphia Inquirer, because of Comcast.
Comcast’s involvement goes past its long-standing partnership with the 76ers, which incorporates constructing a brand new enviornment within the Sports activities Advanced to exchange the Wells Fargo Middle and buying an fairness stake within the workforce.
Moreover, the Inquirer reported that Comcast lately secured WNBA broadcast rights as a part of its 11-year, $2.5 billion NBA bundle launching this fall.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged Philadelphia’s sturdy curiosity in increasing the league, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
In the meantime, Cleveland’s bid is bolstered by a reportedly record-setting provide of $250 million from Dan Gilbert, who’s the present proprietor of the Cavaliers.
ball towards the Phoenix Mercury in the course of the 1998 WNBA
semifinals performed in August of 1998 on the Gund Area in
Cleveland, Ohio. NBAE through Getty Photos
Houston additionally stays within the working.
The Houston Comets had been the WNBA’s unique dynasty, who received the league’s first 4 championships.
On the 2024 WNBA Draft, commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged her objective to have 16 groups within the league by 2028.
With Cleveland, that might deliver the league’s whole to fifteen.
