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Cleveland Sirens announce plans as WNBA expansion franchise

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 5, 2026, 11:32 AM

Last updated Aug 5, 2026

Cleveland Sirens announce plans as WNBA expansion franchise

Summary

Cleveland's WNBA expansion franchise, the Sirens, officially unveiled its branding and plans for competitive play in 2028 during a launch event at Rocket Arena. This marks the city's return to professional women's basketball after more than 20 years, following the dissolution of the Cleveland Rockers in 2003. The Sirens, supported by a significant investment and community input, aim to create a big-market team focused on player development and year-over-year competitiveness. The franchise's name and slogan, 'Hear the Call,' were revealed by former Rockers player Janice Braxton, linking its past to the future.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Cleveland Sirens will begin play in 2028 as the WNBA's 16th franchise.
•Dan Gilbert invested $250 million for the expansion franchise.
•The Sirens' name was chosen through community feedback and focus groups.
•Former Rockers player Janice Braxton announced the team’s branding at the event.
•The franchise aims to bring a WNBA championship to Cleveland.

Latest Updates

11:32 AMYahoo Sports — ‘This Is Going To Be a Big-Market Team’ — Cleveland Sirens Executive Details Ambitious Blueprint for WNBA’s Newest Expansion Franchise

What they're saying

"
When the WNBA awarded Cleveland an expansion franchise on June 30, 2025, it marked the return of professional women’s basketball to a city that had waited more than two decades for another chance. Nearly a year later, that vision took another major step forward as the organization officially unveiled its identity and its ambitious plans for the future.
— Yahoo Sports

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