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Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is eager to bring a WNBA franchise to Northeast Ohio. Through his company, Rock Entertainment Group, which oversees his sports and entertainment ventures, Gilbert has revealed plans to submit a proposal for a WNBA expansion team. This move is in line with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s vision of growing the league to 16 teams by 2028. As the popularity of women’s sports continues to rise, several cities are actively competing for a spot in the league’s expansion.
Cleveland's Strong Bid for Expansion
Cleveland, home to major professional teams such as the NBA’s Cavaliers, the NFL’s Browns, the MLB’s Guardians, and the AHL’s Monsters, believes it is in a prime position to host a WNBA franchise. Nic Barlage, CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers, emphasized the city’s unique combination of infrastructure, culture, and passionate fanbase as key factors that make it an attractive option for expansion.
“We have this unique convergence of infrastructure, culture and these foundational pieces that we think make Northeast Ohio, and specifically Cleveland, a great opportunity to expand from a WNBA perspective,” Nic Barlage, Cleveland Cavaliers CEO, told CNBC.
Barlage noted the Cavaliers' collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic to create a state-of-the-art Performance Center, which will serve both the team and the public.
Additionally, the Cavs’ practice facility in Independence, Ohio, could easily be adapted for a WNBA team’s use. He also highlighted Cleveland’s loyal fanbase, who have consistently supported their teams despite challenging times.
“Cleveland is a real crazy sports town, It’s so closely tied to the identity of the city that’s had, the last couple of generations, some tough times," said David Gilbert, CEO of the Cleveland Sports Commission.
The Cavaliers are currently off to their best start in franchise history, sitting in first place in the Eastern Conference with a 15-1 record.
Growing Demand for WNBA Expansion
While the MVP race and other major awards in the WNBA may seem like top priorities, Commissioner Engelbert has emphasized that the league is ready to expand. "The good news is we have a lot of demand from many cities. Several cities, including Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Philadelphia, are also vying for a spot in the WNBA’s future. She explained that as the league’s profile grows, more cities are interested in hosting a franchise," Engelbert said
The WNBA has already begun its expansion process with the Golden State Valkyries, set to debut in 2025. In addition, Toronto and Portland, Oregon, were awarded the 14th and 15th franchises earlier this year. Engelbert has indicated that the timeline for the 16th team is set for no later than 2028.
“We’re not in a huge rush. We’d like to bring it in in ’27 or no later than ’28,” she said.
Cleveland’s Previous WNBA Experience
Cleveland isn’t new to the WNBA. The city was home to the Cleveland Rockers, one of the league's original franchises, from 1997 to 2003. Unfortunately, the team folded after seven seasons due to low attendance and financial challenges. Gordon Gund, the team’s owner at the time, cited struggles to find a profitable business model for the team despite the enthusiasm and support from fans.
The WNBA’s fortunes, however, have changed drastically over the past two decades. Women’s sports, and the WNBA in particular, are experiencing significant growth. The league recently recorded its most-watched finals game in 25 years and has seen attendance reach its highest levels in over two decades. Merchandise sales have also soared, with a more than 600% increase from 2023.
The Future of WNBA Expansion
As the WNBA continues to expand, the league is considering several factors when selecting new cities, including available practice facilities, committed ownership groups, and the presence of major businesses. Allen & Company, an investment bank that also helped Gilbert purchase the Cavaliers in 2005, is leading the WNBA’s expansion process.
With the WNBA’s increasing popularity and Cleveland’s strong sports culture, the city may soon become home to a new chapter in the league’s history. As the demand for women’s sports grows, cities like Cleveland are poised to become key players in the future of the WNBA.
