Cleveland Sirens

Professional women's basketball returns to Cleveland in 2028 with the arrival of the Sirens, an expansion franchise owned by Dan Gilbert. The team officially began operations in 2025 after securing a WNBA expansion slot, ending a 25-year absence of the sport from the city following the 2003 folding of the original Cleveland Rockers. Gilbert leveraged his ownership of the NBA's Cavaliers and the league's surging popularity to bring a new chapter to Northeast Ohio. The organization unveiled its identity on August 4, 2026, choosing the name Sirens to reflect the city's location on Lake Erie. The mythological creatures served as a metaphor for the team's goal to exert a magnetic pull on fans, distinguishing the new franchise from its predecessor while honoring local maritime history. This branding decision followed months of community engagement, including a fan festival at Edgewater Beach that celebrated the connection between the city and the water. Playing out of Rocket Arena alongside the Cavaliers ensures the Sirens have access to top-tier facilities and a built-in audience ready to support the team. While the roster and coaching staff remain unannounced as of late 2026, the front office has already launched youth development programs involving over 200 local players. The franchise aims to build a legacy rooted in the same passionate sports culture that defined the Rockers era but adapted for the modern landscape of women's basketball. [edit]

The journey to establish the Sirens began years before the public announcement, driven by Dan Gilbert's desire to expand the WNBA footprint into major markets. Although the franchise entity was created in 2025, the official reveal of the team's name and logo took place in early August 2026. The selection of Sirens was a deliberate choice to honor Cleveland's relationship with Lake Erie rather than simply reviving the Rockers moniker. This approach allowed the team to carve out a distinct identity while acknowledging the city's rich basketball heritage. Community reaction to the rollout was overwhelmingly positive, with surveys indicating strong approval among existing Cavaliers fans. The organization capitalized on this momentum by hosting events like the free fan festival at Edgewater Beach, which drew significant crowds and highlighted the city's love for the lakefront. These efforts helped solidify the team's presence in the local consciousness well before their first tip-off. As the league continues its expansion strategy, the Sirens represent a key part of the WNBA's growth plan. Their entry into the Eastern Conference marks another step in the league's national reach, bringing professional women's basketball back to a market that had been without a team since 2003. The focus remains on building a sustainable foundation through youth engagement and premium fan experiences. [edit]