Full Breakdown
Cleveland Sirens Unveiled as WNBA’s 16th Franchise
8/5/2026, 2:24:52 AM
Name Reveal and Branding
On August 4, Rock Entertainment Group announced the new Cleveland WNBA franchise as the Cleveland Sirens during an event at Rocket Arena. The branding features a stylized Siren beneath the wordmark, with the “S” subtly forming “CLE” and two shades of blue meant to echo Lake Erie. The name was chosen to satisfy three criteria set by the ownership: a distinct identity separate from the Cavaliers, a connection to Lake Erie, and a progressive image that would resonate with younger fans.
Historical Context
Cleveland previously fielded a WNBA team, the Rockers, from 1997 until the franchise folded in 2003 after owner Gordon Gund could not secure a buyer. Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee to bring the league’s 16th team back to the city, slated to begin play in 2028.
Official Reactions and Fan Interest
Former Rockers player Janice Braxton narrated a video unveiling the “Hear the Call” theme, and former players expressed strong support at the launch event. Grant Gilbert, Rock Entertainment Group’s vice president of business and basketball operations, added that the team aims to “rally behind a real character.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “Everybody was ready to showcase Cleveland in this new light and believing and seeing that Cleveland's best days are ahead of us,” — Cleveland Sirens President
- “The forward motion to go with the Sirens and the symbolism of progress really resonated, overwhelmingly with everyone around us,” — Howard. For Howard, the Sirens president of business operations
- “We were at dinner with them last night and we gave them a sneak peak of the video. And they were overwhelming in their support and clapped several different times,” — Allison Howard, the Sirens president of business operations
- “We really wanted something that people could rally behind a real character. And we’re really excited about that,” — Grant Gilbert
- “This team can exist very much on the independent side of the Cavaliers. And that’s also what we are seeing right now. The demographic is totally different,” — Sirens Allison Howard, the Sirens president of business operations
These statements underscore the ownership’s intent to position the Sirens as an independent, community-focused franchise that reflects Cleveland’s evolving sports landscape.
