A WNBA team could soon be in Cleveland again, after Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group pushed a bid for an expansion on Wednesday.
“We are actively pursuing bringing a WNBA expansion team to Cleveland. Cleveland’s vibrant ecosystem of world-class assets, passionate and engaged sports fans, coupled with a culture that has allowed professional sports to thrive, make our Team and city uniquely positioned to provide an ideal home for the W’s next franchise,” said Nic Barlage, CEO of Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.
Cleveland last had a WNBA team from 1997 until 2003, the Cleveland Rockers.
Gilbert’s team feels that the city of Cleveland has the energy and momentum to have a thriving WNBA team in Northeast Ohio.
“It has long been woven into our mission to utilize our platform to unite our community in ways that drive equal opportunities across the board,” said Barlage.
Just last month, the Cleveland Soccer Group bid for a 2026 National Women’s soccer league team. It came a year after announcing their Men’s League NEXT Pro team.
The most recent expansion team that will join the WNBA will be the Golden State Valkyries. They are set to begin to play in 2025.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: WNBA expansion team could be returning to Cleveland
