Owned and operated by Dan Gilbert’s
Rock Entertainment Group, the franchise announced its name and branding on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, during a live press conference at
Rocket Arena. The team is scheduled to officially tip off its inaugural season in the spring of 2028.
Leaning Into Lake Erie
The “Sirens” moniker draws heavily from Greek mythology, representing sharp, fearless, and unapologetic power. The team’s visual identity directly honors Northeast Ohio’s greatest natural asset, featuring a color palette of two shades of water-inspired blue and a complementary mint foam color.
The reveal follows a series of viral teasers from the organization, including an intricate sand sculpture erected at Edgewater Beach reading “Hear The Call” alongside a blue and white WNBA basketball.
The WNBA’s Growing Footprint
Cleveland enters the league as the 16th franchise under a broader multi-year expansion wave. The WNBA continues its rapid growth toward an 18-team league with a clear upcoming timeline:
- 2025: Golden State Valkyries
- 2026: Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire
- 2028: Cleveland Sirens
- 2029: Detroit expansion team
- 3030: Philadelphia expansion team
Immediate Business Momentum
Northeast Ohio is already showing massive local demand for professional women’s basketball. The franchise has already surpassed 9,000 season-ticket deposits well ahead of its 2028 debut.
Furthermore, the team has already secured a historic corporate sponsorship. Progressive Insurance has officially signed on as a primary partner, making them the first sponsor in WNBA history to lock up both jersey patch spots before a franchise takes the court.
Honoring Cleveland Basketball History
While the team will forge a new mythological identity, it will not completely forget its roots. The original Cleveland Rockers, a charter WNBA franchise that folded in 2003, will be celebrated. Team management confirmed plans to weave the Rockers legacy into special “throwback” theme nights at Rocket Arena
