Cleveland Gears Up for WNBA Team's 2028 Debut

New franchise receives 8,000 season ticket deposits as city rallies behind women's basketball

Mar. 7, 2026 at 9:13pm

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Cleveland is preparing for the return of professional women's basketball, with a new WNBA franchise set to begin play in 2028. The team, called the Cleveland Charge, has already received 8,000 season ticket deposits, demonstrating strong fan support. The Cavaliers and the Charge G League team are actively supporting the new WNBA franchise, highlighting a collaborative approach to building a thriving sports ecosystem in the city. The team's name and branding will be revealed this summer, adding to the growing excitement.

Why it matters

The arrival of a WNBA team in Cleveland represents an important milestone for women's sports in Ohio. It reflects a broader trend of increasing popularity for women's basketball, fueled by the success of athletes on the international stage and a growing demand for diverse sporting options. The team's community outreach efforts and collaborative partnerships with local sports organizations aim to cultivate a loyal fanbase and ensure the team is deeply integrated into the fabric of the city.

The details

The Cleveland Charge, the city's G League team, recently hosted a WNBA Night event, further fueling the anticipation for the new franchise. WNBA Cleveland President Allison Howard announced that 8,000 season ticket deposits have already been received for the 2028 inaugural season, demonstrating a strong appetite for women's basketball in the region. Both the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Charge are actively supporting the new WNBA team, highlighting a collaborative approach to building a thriving sports ecosystem in Cleveland.

  • The Cleveland Charge hosted a WNBA Night event.
  • 8,000 season ticket deposits have been received as of March 7, 2026.
  • The team name and branding will be announced this summer.

The players

Allison Howard

WNBA Cleveland President.

Liron Fanan

Cleveland Charge General Manager.

Dan Gilbert

Owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who also owns the Cleveland Charge (G League) and the Cleveland Monsters (AHL).

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The team name and branding will be revealed this summer, adding another layer of excitement to the launch.

The takeaway

The return of the WNBA to Cleveland represents more than just a new sports franchise; it's a symbol of progress and opportunity. With strong community support, a collaborative spirit, and a growing national interest in women's basketball, the future looks incredibly bright for this team.