Cleveland sports enthusiasts woke up to good news this week: the WNBA is officially returning to Northeast Ohio for the 2028 season, exactly twenty-five years after the Rockers played their final game. The league’s decision restores a professional women’s basketball presence that many fans have missed since the early 2000s.
Beyond filling that void, the new franchise carries symbolic weight for women’s athletics in the region. Columnist Terry Pluto and podcast host David Campbell noted on the latest “Terry’s Talkin’” episode that a revitalized WNBA club could inspire a new generation of players while adding another layer to Cleveland’s already passionate sports culture.
A major factor in the league’s confidence is the backing of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert and the Cavs organization. Their proven track record in fan engagement, corporate partnerships, and arena operations gives the incoming team a ready-made support system—from first-class facilities at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse to an established marketing network that can amplify ticket sales and community outreach.
Gilbert’s group also brings deep ties to local business and philanthropy, positioning the WNBA squad to thrive financially and to plug into youth-basketball initiatives across Northeast Ohio. The collaboration should help the franchise weather the usual startup challenges and quickly find its footing in a competitive sports market.
If everything unfolds as planned, Cleveland’s 2028 tip-off will be more than a nostalgic return; it will mark a forward-looking commitment to women’s sports, backed by the resources and enthusiasm of the Cavaliers family. Fans eager for that first opening-night jump ball now have a new countdown to circle on their calendars.
About the Author
