The Cleveland WNBA expansion franchise announced its official team name on Tuesday as the Cleveland Sirens.
The team revealed the name and branding during a special announcement at Rocket Arena. The Sirens will begin play in the 2028 WNBA season.
Dan Gilbert owns the franchise through Rock Entertainment Group. Gilbert also owns the Cleveland Cavaliers. The team will play its home games at Rocket Arena, the same venue that hosts the Cavaliers and the Cleveland Monsters.
Allison Howard serves as president of the Cleveland franchise. Nic Barlage is the CEO of Rock Entertainment Group. The ownership group includes minority investors such as Monarch Collective and several local business leaders.
Cleveland previously had a WNBA team called the Rockers. That franchise played from 1997 to 2003. The new team marks the return of professional women’s basketball to the city after more than two decades.
The franchise has already received thousands of initial membership payments from fans. Officials have focused on community programs for girls basketball across Ohio and nearby regions.
The team teased the name in the days leading up to the announcement with the slogan “Hear the Call.” Social media posts and local installations pointed toward the Sirens identity. Sirens draw from mythology connected to water and song.
The Cleveland Sirens join the WNBA as the league expands. Detroit and Philadelphia will also add teams in the following years. Cleveland becomes the 16th franchise when it tips off in 2028.