One other metropolis has entered the combo for a WNBA growth bid: Cleveland, which was beforehand dwelling to the Cleveland Rockers from 1997 to 2003. Rock Leisure Group, the possession group tied to the Cleveland Cavaliers, is spearheading the bid, and an official WNBA Cleveland web site is already public.
“Cleveland’s vibrant ecosystem of world-class property, passionate and engaged sports activities followers, coupled with a tradition that has allowed skilled sports activities to thrive, make our Workforce and metropolis uniquely positioned to offer a really perfect dwelling for the W’s subsequent franchise,” stated Nic Barlage of Rocket Leisure Group in a press release Wednesday.
Three growth groups are set to affix the WNBA within the coming years: the Golden State Valkyries are slated to compete within the WNBA in 2025, whereas Toronto and Portland may have groups in 2026. The plan is for a sixteenth growth metropolis to affix them.
“The excellent news is we’ve plenty of demand from many cities,” stated WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert final month. “I feel the extra individuals are watching the WNBA and seeing what we’re rising right here and seeing these gamers and the product on the courtroom, extra individuals are serious about having it of their cities.”
A number of different cities are at present within the combine. Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes needs to see a crew in Kansas Metropolis, Celtics star Jayson Tatum is reportedly vying for a crew in his hometown of St. Louis, and Hornets ahead Grant Williams has expressed curiosity in being concerned with a crew in Charlotte. Philadelphia and Austin are additionally within the combine. There have additionally been discussions surrounding new groups in Dallas, Milwaukee, Nashville, and Denver.
The sixteenth growth franchise will possible be value between $200 and $250 million, per the Sports activities Enterprise Journal.
Final month, Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell expressed his want for the town to get their very own franchise, stating that he would like to be a part of the town’s efforts. Cleveland is already dwelling to the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, the NFL’s Cleveland Browns and MLB’s Cleveland Guardians, amongst different groups.
“I feel Cleveland positively deserves a WNBA crew,” Mitchell stated, per Cleveland.com. “It’s huge time for Portland and San Francisco so as to add one. However Cleveland is an ideal sports activities metropolis for it. The WNBA is at an all-time excessive and I really like the competitors. Been this fashion for some time and I feel folks at the moment are beginning to lastly listen.”
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