CLEVELAND, Ohio (AVC News) — Cleveland’s new WNBA franchise has a name, logo and identity as the team prepares to begin play in 2028.
The Cleveland Sirens were introduced Tuesday during an event at Rocket Arena, marking the return of professional women’s basketball to the city more than two decades after the Cleveland Rockers folded.
Team officials said three priorities guided the naming process: creating a unique identity separate from the Cavaliers, connecting the franchise to Lake Erie and building a brand that reflects a progressive vision.
The team’s theme is “Hear the Call,” which was introduced through a video narrated by former Cleveland Rockers player Janice Braxton. Braxton, who played for the franchise from 1997-99, attended Tuesday’s event along with other former Rockers players.
The Sirens logo features a siren beneath the team name, while the “S” in the wordmark includes a hidden “CLE.” The team’s two shades of blue are inspired by Lake Erie and the original Rockers logo.
The WNBA awarded Cleveland an expansion franchise after Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee.
The Sirens will become the league’s 16th team when they begin play in 2028. Cleveland previously had one of the WNBA’s original franchises when the league launched in 1997, but the Rockers ceased operations in 2003 after owner Gordon Gund was unable to find a new buyer.
Officials said the team has already received 9,000 season-ticket deposits over the past year, and Howard expects that number to grow following the name announcement.
Last Updated on August 6, 2026 by AVC News
