Cleveland emerging as spot for latest WNBA…
In a main development for the WNBA, experiences from Sports Business Journal point out that the league is gearing up to announce its subsequent growth franchise, and Cleveland is emerging as the seemingly vacation spot.
It’d mark the return of the WNBA to Cleveland — a metropolis that when hosted the unique Rockers from 1997-2003.
The crew was one of the unique eight franchises of the league, and the proprietor on the time was Gordon Gund, who additionally owned the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers from 1983-2005.
Cleveland would observe within the footsteps of the Golden State Valkyries, who will enter the league this season, and the Toronto Tempo, who will take part 2026.
However, it’s not simply Cleveland producing buzz.
Cathy Engelbert is pictured on Oct. 10 2024 Michelle Farsi for the NY Post
The WNBA is anticipated so as to add Cleveland as its subsequent growth crew following the Golden State Valkyries and Toronto Tempo. NBAE by way of Getty Images
Philadelphia has additionally emerged as a clear front-runner for a future franchise, based on the Philadelphia Inquirer, on account of Comcast.
Comcast’s involvement goes past its long-standing partnership with the 76ers, which incorporates building a new area within the Sports Complex to exchange the Wells Fargo Center and buying an equity stake within the crew.
Additionally, the Inquirer reported that Comcast just lately secured WNBA broadcast rights as half of its 11-year, $2.5 billion NBA bundle launching this fall.
The Cleveland Rockers stroll off the courtroom during a time-out in opposition to the Los Angeles Sparks at Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images
NBA commissioner Adam Silver has acknowledged Philadelphia’s sturdy curiosity in increasing the league, a sentiment echoed by Mayor Cherelle L. Parker.
Meanwhile, Cleveland’s bid is bolstered by a reportedly record-setting offer of $250 million from Dan Gilbert, who’s the present proprietor of the Cavaliers.
Suzie McConnel-Serio #4 of the Cleveland Rockers strikes the
ball in opposition to the Phoenix Mercury during the 1998 WNBA
semifinals performed in August of 1998 on the Gund Arena in
Cleveland, Ohio. NBAE by way of Getty Images
Houston additionally stays within the operating.
The Houston Comets had been the WNBA’s unique dynasty, who received the league’s first 4 championships.
At the 2024 WNBA Draft, commissioner Cathy Engelbert said her objective to have 16 groups within the league by 2028.
With Cleveland, that might carry the league’s whole to fifteen.
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