A new WNBA franchise is upon us, thanks to the new CBA in town and significant dialogue surrounding the league. The league's ambitious expansion plan marches on, as Cleveland announced the team it will debut in 2028.

The Sirens, symbolic of "Lake Erie's power and pull," will be the W's 16th team in its current model. A siren is a mermaid-like being known for its alluring voice in Greek mythology. The siren's hair in the logo has five points, which represent both the team's starting five and the five Great Lakes.

"The Cleveland Sirens are sharp, unapologetic, fearless and relentless, representative of this region, our Great Lake and the future of our city and women's basketball," Allison Howard, Cleveland Sirens president of business operations, said in a statement.

"Powered by unrivaled fandom and a level of civic pride found only on the shores of Lake Erie, the Sirens will sound a new era for women's basketball while creating space for the next generation to dream even bigger."

The Sirens follow teams like the Golden State Valkyries, Toronto Tempo, and the Portland Fire as the league's next expansion team.

Cleveland was home to one of the league’s original franchises when the WNBA started in 1997, but the Rockers folded in 2003 when owner Gordon Gund could not find a new buyer.

Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee for Cleveland’s return to the WNBA.

It remains to be seen how the Sirens will fare against the more established teams, but if we take a note from the Valkyries, playoff qualification is certainly possible even if you are playing your first season.

Meanwhile, fans on social media were ecstatic with the announcement of the new franchise.

Fans React to the Announcement of the Cleveland Sirens

For the most part, social media loved the meaning of the Sirens' name, with the majority in favor of the new franchise's first look.

"I’m so pumped with the Jersey’s now!! Absolutely love the name and colors." The Sirens did a good job with their aesthetic, already attracting new fans.

"I love learning about local stories that show the strength and spirit of our community." Another fan loved the influence and the history behind the name.

"LOVE the logos and branding! So fitting to announce an Odyssey/Greek based aesthetic right now. Can’t wait to rock some merch." A user noted, heavily appreciating the timing of the announcement due to the fan fever social media has been on about Christopher Nolan's latest movie, The Odyssey.

So, come 2028, do you think the Cleveland Sirens can be a dark horse in the race to the playoffs? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy