Cleveland Eyes WNBA Team: A Fresh Sports Opportunity

Cleveland, a city known for its passionate sports fans, is making a move to bring the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) to town. Dan Gilbert, the owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers, is leading the charge through his company, Rock Entertainment Group. This group has plans to submit a proposal for a WNBA expansion team, aiming to add to the city's impressive sports portfolio that already includes the NBA's Cavaliers, the NFL's Browns, the MLB's Guardians, and the American Hockey League's Monsters. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has a vision to grow the league to 16 teams by 2028. With women's sports on the rise, many cities are eager to join the WNBA. Cleveland believes it has what it takes to host a women's basketball franchise. The city boasts solid infrastructure, a rich sports culture, and dedicated fans who support their teams through thick and thin. Nic Barlage, CEO of the Cleveland Cavaliers, highlighted the city's readiness. For instance, the Cavs are partnering with the Cleveland Clinic to build a new Performance Center offering top-notch training for both the Cavs and the public. The existing practice facility in Independence, Ohio, could also be a perfect fit for a WNBA team. Barlage emphasized Cleveland's history of passionate fans, noting that the city's sports identity runs deep. David Gilbert, CEO of the Cleveland Sports Commission, echoed this sentiment, calling Cleveland a "crazy sports town. " The Cavs' current success, with a 15-1 record and first place in the Eastern Conference, adds to the city's sports enthusiasm. Engelbert mentioned that at least 10 cities have expressed interest in an expansion team. Among them are Denver, Miami, Milwaukee, St. Louis, and Philadelphia. The WNBA is not rushing the process, aiming to introduce the 16th team by 2028. The league considers various factors when selecting a city, including practice facilities, committed ownership, demographics, and the presence of Fortune 500 companies. Allen & Company, the investment bank aiding the expansion process, also assisted Gilbert when he bought the Cavaliers in 2005. This connection might give Cleveland an edge in its bid.