RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 2 sourcesCLEVELAND, OH - SEPTEMBER 16: A generic photo of the stage during a press conference announcing a WNBA franchise in Cleveland on September 16, 2025 at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Brian Kolin/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
It was announced that in 2028, a new WNBA franchise will reside in Cleveland, Ohio. In a live-stream unveiling on August 4th, a presentation group include Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman, it was revealed what the newest chapter of Cleveland’s part in the WNBA.
Forged on our shores, this is the story of the Cleveland Sirens. #HEARTHECALL 📢 EXPLORE: https://t.co/pZKXPRqv9U pic.twitter.com/fG7laExOOG
— Cleveland Sirens (@clevelandwnba) August 4, 2026
The name decided upon is the Cleveland Sirens. The name was chosen “for Lake Erie’s power and pull”.
The last time there was a WNBA franchise in Cleveland, it was under the Cleveland Rockers, who eventually were dissolved as Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund no longer wanted to house the franchise.
For those hoping the Rockers would return in the unveiling, they were at least mentioned in the press release.
“Cleveland gave the world rock and roll, then brought that sound to the WNBA stage. Now, we’re back. With a different song. A louder one.”
Grant Gilbert spoke on that when there was polling and research poured into the design and naming of the franchise that the city was proud of Lake Erie and wanted to bring that pride into something new.
Siren’s president of basketball operations, Allison Howard, went on to describe the rationale and passion the creative team and fans of women’s sports have shared in this process.
“The Siren is very powerful, unapologetic, relentless. We see it as the epitome of power and the best team name. Even from the logo you can feel the energy and thunderous passion.”
“She is ready. This (unveiling) is really a testament to the fans in this building. She has been here, just like the fans of women’s sports. She is here and she is ready to usher in a new era of women’s sports.”
It was also unveiled that the team’s motto will be “Hear the Call”. Further details, including uniforms, will be announced at a later date to be determined.
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