Cleveland’s new WNBA franchise still doesn’t have a nickname, at least not one unveiled to the public, but it does now have the official green light to begin play in 2028.
On April 9, the WNBA announced the league and NBA Board of Governors formally approved WNBA expansion teams in Cleveland, Detroit and Philadelphia. Cleveland will begin play in 2028, Detroit in 2029 and Philadelphia in 2030. Those additions will boost the league’s total number of teams to 18.
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WNBA news: Cleveland receiving expansion team spurs optimism on local women’s basketball scene
Cleveland Cavaliers President of Basketball Operations, Koby Altman, addresses attendees of a Cleveland WNBA event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland.
Are the Cleveland Rockers coming back?
As for Cleveland’s nickname, the franchise plans to announce it this summer, a team official told the Beacon Journal’s George M. Thomas last month.
When the 2028 season begins, Cleveland will have an active WNBA team for the first time since 2003.
The Cleveland Rockers became one of eight WNBA charter organizations in 1996 and played the first of their seven seasons in 1997. The team folded in 2003.
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The Cleveland WNBA logo is seen during event celebrating the return of professional women’s basketball to Ohio, Sept. 16, 2025, at Rocket Arena, in Cleveland.
What will Cleveland’s WNBA team be called?
When Cleveland secured a new WNBA franchise in June 2025, its leaders didn’t rule out using the Rockers nickname again — or taking an entirely different direction. Grant Gilbert, Cavaliers vice president of basketball and business operations and owner Dan Gilbert’s son, will oversee the naming process.
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“Obviously, there is existing equity within the Rockers name itself, but [we’re] keeping all options open and going through an inclusive process with people within the Rock Entertainment Group portfolio, outside agencies, fan insights,” Grant Gilbert said on Zoom. “So [we’re] keeping it open and going through a thorough process that we know the outcome is going to be very indicative of the pride of the Northeast Ohio community.”
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: WNBA expansion team in Cleveland approved by board of governors
