Gilbert is launching a formal bid for WNBA expansion.
Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert are backing a formal bid for a WNBA expansion team in the land, per CNBC. If successful, it would be Cleveland’s first professional women’s basketball team since the Rockers in 2003.
The WNBA has been rising in popularity with last season shattering viewership records. As a result, basketball fans in the land have been clamoring for an expansion team. Cavs star Donovan Mitchell expressed his support for the movement last month.
“I think Cleveland definitely deserves a WNBA team, it’s a perfect sports city for it.” – Donovan Mitchell during Training Camp
Both Cleveland and the WNBA are in a better position for a new team than they were in 2003. Basketball has become more popular in the land since 2003 (I wonder what notable player began his career that year?) and women’s basketball has been gaining national respect over recent seasons. This has made for a perfect opportunity according to Nic Barlage, Rock Entertainment CEO.
“We have this unique convergence of infrastructure, culture and these foundational pieces that we think make Northeast Ohio, and specifically Cleveland, a great opportunity to expand from a WNBA perspective.” – CNBC
Cleveland won’t be the only city bidding for expansion. At least 10 other cities are showing interest in adding a WNBA team, including Miami, Denver and Philadelphia. Still, David Gilbert, of the Cleveland Sports Commission, feels that women’s basketball will be an instant success in Cleveland.
“I just feel extraordinarily confident that, should a team be given to Cleveland, in part because of the city, in part because of what sports means here, in part because of the Cavs, it would immediately be a huge success.” – CNBC
The WNBA does not plan on adding another team until at least the 2027 season. Until then, we can only hope Cleveland builds a strong enough case to earn another sports team.