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See the full story · 2 sourcesCleveland Sirens name, explained: What to know about meaning of newest WNBA team's mascot, colors, more originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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The WNBA has refuse to press pause on expansion in recent years, adding three teams teams in a span of two seasons and expanding the schedule along the way.
Three more teams are coming in 2028. Cleveland, Philadelphia and Detroit will be home to the WNBA's 16th, 17th and 18th teams, bringing the league a step closer to the NBA's 30 franchises.
On Tuesday, the Cleveland expansion franchise became the first of the trio to unveil its identity.
Here's what you need to know about the Cleveland Sirens.
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Cleveland Sirens name, explained
Cleveland's ownership group revealed the franchise's new name and logo on Tuesday, officially becoming the Cleveland Sirens.
We are the Cleveland Sirens. This is HER story. This is HER voice. And the world is listening. #HEARTHECALL 📢 pic.twitter.com/w8B3R8M7Of
— Cleveland Sirens (@clevelandwnba) August 4, 2026 The name is a reference to Greek mythology, as Britannica describes a Siren as "a half-bird and half-woman creature who lured sailors to destruction by the sweetness of her song." The logo features a Siren along the bottom of the wordmark.
At Tuesday's reveal, part-owner Grant Gilbert, the son of Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, explained the decision.
"I think the other aspect of the siren name and brand that was really considered and that we get very excited about is how authentically it extends just beyond the name and branded logos itself," Gilbert said. "The potential of the name is endless."
There was some speculation the franchise could revive the identity of the Cleveland Rockers, who played in the WNBA from 1997-2003, but the WNBA no longer owned the trademark after a mysterious "Women's Basketball League" claimed it in 2024.
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Cleveland Sirens colors
The Sirens are paying tribute to both the Rockers and Lake Erie with their colors, which are two different shades of blue. A lighter shade of blue references the Rockers, who had sky blue and black at the center of their color scheme, while the royal blue prominently featured in the new identity is a reference to Lake Erie.
Welcome, Cleveland Sirens! @clevelandwnba pic.twitter.com/JJicznmgYw
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 4, 2026 The logo's "S" conceals a separate "C" and "S" to represent the team's initials, and a Siren is featured below the wordmark.
Cleveland Sirens mascot
The Sirens are leaning heavily into the Greek mythology theme, with a Siren on their logo, a constant water-related theme and even a hidden trident on the "S" in their logo. They haven't revealed a mascot yet, however.
When do the Cleveland Sirens join the WNBA?
The Sirens were founded in 2025, but they won't join the WNBA until 2028. Cleveland will be joined by expansion teams in Philadelphia and Detroit, which have yet to reveal an identity.
The Sirens will share a home with the Cavaliers and play at Rocket Arena.
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