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The WNBA--Sage Ingraham

If you often find yourself driving east on I-90, chances are you’ve seen a billboard proclaiming that “The WNBA Is Coming to The Land.” Over the last few years, the WNBA’s popularity has exploded, with the 2024 season crushing viewership records. As a result, several cities are clamoring to get their own team in the league. But is the hype really worth it?

In August of this year, the WNBA announced that they had beat their previous attendance record from 2002, with over 2.5 million people attending games this year. Contrary to popular conception, the games aren’t just popular with women. Over half of their viewers are men, with estimates stating that 57 percent of viewers are male and 43 percent are female. Stars like Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers, and Angel Reese have drawn in new viewers across the United States. The players in the women's league are just as fierce as players in the men's league, and the world seems to finally be paying attention. 

Another big draw for fans of the league is the authenticity and affordability of their games. One of the biggest critiques of the NBA is how overpriced games can be. For basketball fans, attending a WNBA game means professional-level skill with reasonable prices. In addition, music performances and other events keep fans in their seats.

Something you may not know is that Cleveland actually previously had a WNBA team. In 1997, the Cleveland Rockers were formed as part of the eight-team original WNBA franchise. The team—named for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame—was owned by former Cavs owner Gordon Gund. The team’s success peaked in 2001, winning the Eastern Conference No. 1 Seed, but disbanded after the 2003 season due to a lack of revenue. However, the team will be revived in the 2028 season, most likely under the same name.

In addition to the Rockers, a number of other cities will also be getting their own teams. This year, the explosively popular Golden State Valkyries debuted to much fanfare. The next cities to get their own team will be Toronto, Canada (yes, really!) and Portland, Oregon. The Cleveland team will follow in 2028, and Detroit will get their team in 2029. Finally, in 2030, Philadelphia will join the mix. In the words of WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, “The demand for women’s basketball has never been higher,” and she couldn’t be more right.