Cleveland, Ohio is working on a bid to bring a WNBA expansion team back to the city after losing the Cleveland Rockers over 20 years ago. The Rock Entertainment Group, led by Nic Barlage, is committed to diversifying their platform and providing equal opportunities in sports. Barlage believes that Cleveland’s vibrant sports culture and history of hosting major events make it an ideal location for a new WNBA franchise.
The WNBA is currently at 12 teams, with expansion franchises in Golden State, Toronto, and Portland set to join in the coming years. WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed confidence that the league could expand to 16 teams by 2028, potentially including cities like Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, Philadelphia, and St. Louis.
Cleveland has a history with the WNBA as one of the original eight charter franchises, but the team folded in 2003 due to ownership issues. The league is now experiencing a resurgence in popularity, with increased attendance and record-breaking viewership numbers. The 2024 WNBA Finals drew a record 3.3 million viewers, making it the most watched finals game in 25 years across all networks.
The potential return of the WNBA to Cleveland represents an exciting opportunity for the city to once again be a part of women’s professional basketball and to continue the league’s growth and success. Stay tuned for updates on Cleveland’s bid for an expansion team in the WNBA.
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Photo credit www.cleveland.com