Dan Gilbert, owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is making a significant push to bring a Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) team to Northeast Ohio. Rock Entertainment Group, Gilbert’s umbrella company, announced its intention to submit a proposal for a WNBA expansion team, capitalizing on the league’s impressive growth and Cleveland’s passionate sports culture. This bid marks a potential resurgence for women’s basketball in Cleveland, following the earlier demise of the Cleveland Rockers, and positions the city as a strong contender amongst several other interested municipalities vying for a coveted WNBA franchise.
Key Takeaways: Cleveland’s Bid for a WNBA Franchise
- Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group aims to bring a WNBA team to Cleveland, submitting a formal proposal for league expansion.
- Cleveland boasts a compelling case, highlighting its strong sports culture, existing infrastructure (including a potentially adaptable practice facility), and the recent success of hosting major women’s sporting events.
- The WNBA is aiming for 16 teams by 2028, with Cleveland competing against several other cities, including Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Philadelphia.
- Cleveland’s bid leverages the city’s revitalization and the Cavaliers’ recent success, suggesting a strong potential for fan support and financial viability.
- The proposal capitalizes on the WNBA’s significant recent growth in viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales, demonstrating the league’s expanding appeal.
Cleveland’s Case: A City Ready for the WNBA
Cleveland’s proposal rests on several key pillars. First, the city’s passionate sports fanbase is legendary. As David Gilbert, CEO of the Cleveland Sports Commission, stated, “Cleveland is a real crazy sports town.” This fervent support translates across various sports, suggesting a receptive audience for a WNBA team. The recent success of the Cleveland Cavaliers, currently boasting a remarkable 15-1 record and holding first place in the Eastern Conference, further underscores the city’s enthusiasm for basketball.
Infrastructure and Facilities
Beyond fan support, Cleveland possesses the necessary infrastructure. The Cavaliers’ recently announced partnership with the Cleveland Clinic to create a new Performance Center, along with an existing practice facility in Independence, Ohio, ensures readily available state-of-the-art training amenities that could easily accommodate a WNBA team. This investment demonstrates a commitment to athletic excellence and provides a tangible advantage in the expansion bid. The city’s existing venues, such as Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, also showcase the capacity for hosting large-scale events, enhancing the viability for WNBA games.
Economic Impact and City Revitalization
Cleveland’s economic resurgence also plays a significant role. The city has experienced significant transformation, notably since LeBron James’ return to the Cavaliers in 2014. This revitalization is reflected in improvements to the downtown area and an overall positive economic trajectory. The Washington Post even lauded Cleveland as “America’s best example of turning around a dying downtown.” This positive momentum enhances the city’s attractiveness to potential investors and adds credibility to the WNBA expansion bid.
The economic impact of the Cavaliers, Monsters, and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse since 1994 has been substantial, generating $6.5 billion in total economic output, according to the Cavs 2024 Community Impact Report. Hosting events like the 2024 NCAA Women’s Final Four showcases Cleveland’s capabilities and contributes further to the city’s economic strength. This compelling data point directly addresses the WNBA’s criteria for expansion, emphasizing Cleveland’s capacity for hosting and supporting a professional women’s basketball team.
A Second Chance for Cleveland: Learning from the Past
This isn’t Cleveland’s first encounter with the WNBA. The Cleveland Rockers, one of the league’s original franchises, operated from 1997 to 2003. Their eventual closure, however, serves as a valuable lesson. The team’s owner, Gordon Gund, cited low attendance and an inability to find a sustainable business model as contributing factors. Gund’s statement, “We just didn’t have enough,” highlights the challenges faced during that era. This time, however, several key factors have changed.
The Evolving WNBA Landscape
The WNBA has undergone a significant transformation in the two decades since the Rockers folded. The league is experiencing unprecedented growth. The recently concluded WNBA Finals reached the highest viewership in 25 years, demonstrating a sustained increase in national interest. Moreover, the league recorded its best attendance record in 22 years, indicating growing fan engagement at the local level. Merchandise sales further highlight this success, registering a remarkable over 600% increase from 2023, showcasing the expanding commercial appeal of the WNBA.
This growth isn’t isolated to on-court performances. The league’s strategic expansion, including the addition of the Golden State Valkyries (starting in 2025), and the upcoming franchises in Toronto and Portland, underlines the WNBA’s ambitious growth strategy. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s stated goal of 16 teams by 2028 further accentuates the league’s commitment to national expansion. This growth, driven by increasingly popular players and significant media exposure, creates the perfect storm for a successful WNBA franchise in Cleveland.
Cleveland’s Competitive Edge: A Strong Bid in a Crowded Field
While Cleveland faces competition from other cities — including Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Philadelphia — its unique blend of passionate fans, robust infrastructure, and a vibrant city undergoing a positive economic renaissance makes it a compelling choice. The WNBA is considering numerous factors in its evaluation process, including practice facilities, ownership commitment, demographics, and the presence of Fortune 500 companies. Cleveland checks many of these boxes, making it a well-rounded candidate. The involvement of Allen & Company, the investment bank overseeing the expansion process, further strengthens Cleveland’s position.
Nic Barlage, Cleveland Cavaliers CEO, confidently asserts Cleveland’s strength, proclaiming, “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.” This statement effectively summarizes the city’s strategic advantages in the expansion race. The historical connection between Allen & Company and Dan Gilbert, who successfully secured ownership of the Cavaliers in 2005 with their assistance, only further demonstrates the strategic vision being pursued in this crucial expansion bid.
The success of this bid will hinge upon the WNBA’s assessment of these factors alongside those presented by other contender cities. However, Cleveland is well-positioned to make a compelling case, potentially securing a significant opportunity for growth and economic benefits alike for the city and the league.
