The WNBA’s 16th team, which will begin play in the 2028 season, now has an identity. The Cleveland Sirens will begin play less than 2 years from now, continuing a legacy that began back in 1997.
The expansion franchise told reporters that they had 3 goals in mind when forging a new identity. It had to be unrelated to the Cavaliers brand, it had to have a connection to Lake Erie, and it had to be something progressive. The final goal ruled out a return to the “Cleveland Rockers” monicker which was one of the original WNBA teams before ultimately folding in 2003.
“We really wanted something that people could rally behind a real character. And we’re really excited about that,” said Grant Gilbert, Rock Entertainment Group’s VP of business and basketball operations. “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. The potential of the name is endless.”
Since it was confirmed that Cleveland would be returning to the WNBA ranks, the new franchise has received over 9,000 deposits for season tickets. That figure seems poised to increase with Tuesday’s unveiling of the team logo and namesake.
“The Cleveland Sirens are sharp, unapologetic, fearless and relentless, representative of this region, our Great Lake and the future of our city and women’s basketball,” president of business operations Allison Howard said in a news release.
“The design of the siren, she is moving forward, she is progressive,” Howard told reporters. “That was also intentional because we believe the WNBA is moving forward, we believe women’s sports is moving forward, and we believe Northeast Ohio is moving forward.”
After welcoming the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire to the league this season, the WNBA will see the Sirens join in 2028, followed by as of yet unnamed teams in Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia (2030).
With the branding launch now official, the teams ownership group, spearheaded by Dan Gilbert, and front office alike will now turn their attention to rounding out the team’s marketing, ticketing, and sales departments in the lead up to their inaugural season.
Photo: Cleveland Sirens / WNBA