WNBA Approves Expansion Team for Cleveland

New franchise to begin play in 2028, nickname still undecided

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:33am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented WNBA basketball game, with sharp planes of navy, red, and gold colors overlapping to create a dynamic, abstract scene.The WNBA's expansion into Cleveland will bring a new platform for women's basketball to thrive in Ohio.Cleveland Today

The WNBA has officially approved an expansion team in Cleveland, Ohio that will begin play in the 2028 season. The new franchise is part of a larger WNBA expansion that will also see teams added in Detroit and another unnamed city. While the Cleveland team does not yet have an official nickname, the league and the Rock Entertainment Group, which will own the team, are going through an inclusive process to determine the name.

Why it matters

The addition of a WNBA team in Cleveland represents a significant milestone for professional women's basketball in the city and the state of Ohio. It will provide a new platform to grow the sport's fanbase and showcase elite female athletes in the region.

The details

The WNBA Board of Governors formally approved the Cleveland expansion franchise on April 9, 2026. The new team will be owned by the Rock Entertainment Group, which also owns the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team. While the franchise does not yet have an official nickname, the ownership group says they are considering options and gathering fan input through an inclusive process.

  • The WNBA expansion was officially announced on April 9, 2026.
  • The new Cleveland franchise is slated to begin play in the 2028 WNBA season.

The players

WNBA

The Women's National Basketball Association is the premier professional women's basketball league in the United States and Canada.

Rock Entertainment Group

The ownership group that will own the new WNBA franchise in Cleveland, Ohio. They also own the Cleveland Cavaliers NBA team.

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What’s next

The new Cleveland WNBA franchise will continue its process of gathering fan input and determining an official team name ahead of its inaugural 2028 season.

The takeaway

The addition of a WNBA team in Cleveland represents an exciting opportunity to grow the sport of women's basketball in Ohio and provide a new platform for elite female athletes to showcase their talents. The inclusive process to determine the team's name reflects a commitment to engaging the local community.