Cleveland to Gain WNBA Franchise by 2028

Cleveland is poised to receive a WNBA expansion franchise, marking the return of the Cleveland Rockers, who originally played from 1997 to 2003. The city has submitted a record-setting $250 million bid, with plans to host games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, leveraging its existing NBA infrastructure. While the decision is not yet official, it is expected to be announced by March, with Cleveland joining the league in 2028 as the 16th franchise. Philadelphia and Houston are also contenders for future expansion teams, with Nashville expressing interest but not being selected in the immediate round. The Rockers' return has generated significant excitement among local fans and city officials, reflecting the growing popularity of the WNBA. This expansion is part of the league's broader strategy to grow to 18 teams by 2030, providing more opportunities for women's professional basketball.