by CLEVELAND, ohio- Tuesday, August 4th marks the day women’s professional basketball swam its way back into Cleveland.
Back in 1997, the Cleveland Rockers were created as one of the first eight WNBA teams. The franchise went on to win the 2001 regular-season eastern conference title. Unfortunately, in their later seasons, attendance to games was not enough. The Cavs made the decision to disband the team after their 2003 season.
But then, Cleveland heard the call. The WNBA needed to come back to CLE and the Rock Entertainment Group was going to make it happen. What started as an idea 13 months ago is now a reality. The Cleveland WNBA is now branded as the Cleveland Sirens and is set to play their inaugural season in 2028.
CLE is the perfect place for this team. Grant Gilbert, VP of Business and Basketball Operations, showcased the “big market potential” Cleveland has. From the level of investment and care of fans to how progressive and proud the city truly is of our sports teams: it was the perfect fit. As for the name the Sirens, Gilbert mentioned how important it was to survey fans all across Ohio and find what was most valuable to them about their city. Lake Erie became front and center.
Cleveland has The Cavaliers and Charge men’s basketball teams. It could have been easy to tag onto their success and add a Women’s team based off of their branding. Although, what fans wanted and needed was a brand that could stand on its own. Allison Howard, President of Business Operations, knew from the start the energy and passion the Sirens would add to Cleveland. How the team is ready to “usher in a new era”. A Siren athlete is powerful, relentless, unapologetic, the best teammate, and showcases the best qualities for role models of young women and girls.
Howard also told us all to take a closer look at the Sirens’ logo. Fun fact: The siren’s 5 strands of hair correlate to the 5 players on the court and the 5 Great Lakes Lake Erie is a part of.
Show your Cleveland pride this Saturday, August 8th with The Siren’s Fan Fest presented by Progressive at Edgewater Beach. Come together with fans of all ages from 12-5 PM.
