The WNBA is officially coming back to Cleveland, and we now know when the city's new team will hit the court. In a major announcement on April 9th, the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors formally approved expansion into Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, with the Cleveland franchise slated to begin play for the 2028-29 season.

This marks a historic return for women's professional basketball to the city. Cleveland was last home to a WNBA team from 1997 to 2003 with the Cleveland Rockers, one of the league's original eight franchises. While the Rockers ultimately folded, the new team represents a fresh start in a booming era for the WNBA.

The league is in a significant growth phase, recently adding the Golden State Valkyries (2025), Toronto Temp (2026), and Portland Fire (2026). The Cleveland team will become the WNBA's 16th franchise, joining an increasingly competitive and popular landscape.

Dan Gilbert, a key figure in the bid, captured the excitement last year, stating, "The WNBA’s return to Cleveland marks a pivotal moment for women’s sports." While the team's name, colors, and branding are still under wraps, the countdown to the 2028-29 tip-off has officially begun, promising a new chapter for Cleveland sports fans.