CLEVELAND — Cleveland wants back in the WNBA game.
With interest in women’s pro basketball surging, Rock Entertainment Group, which is also tied to the NBA’s Cavaliers, is trying to bring a WNBA expansion team to Cleveland.
“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 Nic Barlage, CEO of the Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. “To that end, 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.”
Cleveland previously had a WNBA team, the Rockers, from 1997 to 2003.
The WNBA is adding three expansion teams in the next two seasons with Golden State, Portland and Toronto joining to boost the league’s franchises to 15. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has said the WNBA would like to add a 16th team by the 2028 season.
Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes recently said he was part of a group trying to get a WNBA franchise in Kansas City….
