Cleveland Sirens

Did You Know?

• The Cleveland Sirens were established in 2025 and are scheduled to begin play in 2028.
• The Sirens will be the second WNBA team in Cleveland's history, following the Cleveland Rockers (1997–2003).
• The name 'Sirens' comes from the mythical creature of the same name and pays homage to Lake Erie.
• Cleveland was awarded the WNBA's 16th franchise on June 30, 2025, the same day Detroit and Philadelphia received the 17th and 18th franchises.

History

The Cleveland Rockers, a charter WNBA franchise, played from 1997 until 2003, when the Gund family chose to stop operating the team. With no local buyer stepping forward, the Rockers folded in December 2003. In February 2025, reports indicated Cleveland would likely receive a WNBA expansion team for the 2028 season, to be owned by Dan Gilbert through his Rock Entertainment Group. This team would share Rocket Arena with the Cavaliers and Monsters and use the Cavaliers' practice facility in Independence once the new Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center opened.

While evaluating Cleveland for expansion, the WNBA facilitated talks between Gilbert and the Mohegan Tribe, owners of the Connecticut Sun, about purchasing and relocating that franchise to Cleveland. Those negotiations fell through, reportedly over the Sun's sale price. On June 30, 2025, the WNBA awarded Cleveland its 16th franchise, set to debut in 2028; the same day, Detroit received the 17th franchise for 2029 and Philadelphia the 18th for 2030.

By July 12, 2025, it emerged that the WNBA no longer held the trademark for the "Cleveland Rockers" name. United States Patent and Trademark Office records showed the name had been registered to Ryan Reed, owner and president of the Women's Basketball League, in October 2024. On August 4, 2026, the WNBA announced the franchise's identity: the Cleveland Sirens, a name that honors Lake Erie.