The wait is over, Cleveland! The WNBA has officially given the green light, approving expansion franchises for Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia. This landmark decision marks a thrilling new chapter for the league and for a city with a proud basketball history.

Cleveland's new team is slated to hit the court in the 2028 season, ending a 25-year absence of professional women's basketball in the city since the original Cleveland Rockers folded in 2003. The Rockers were one of the league's eight charter franchises, making this expansion a true homecoming. The additions will bring the total number of WNBA teams to 18, signaling massive growth for the sport.

While the team has the official approval and a start date, one major question remains: what will they be called? The franchise has confirmed it plans to unveil its new nickname this summer. Leadership, including Cavaliers VP Grant Gilbert, has kept all options open, from reviving the iconic "Rockers" name to forging a completely new identity that embodies Northeast Ohio pride.

For fans eager to support the new squad, this is just the beginning. The countdown to 2028 is on, and the excitement is building for the return of elite women's basketball to a passionate sports market. Stay tuned for the big name reveal this summer!