Cleveland will return to the WNBA in 2028, after ownership group Rock Entertainment put in a successful bid spearheaded by CEO Nic Barlage.
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In an interview with the Sports Business Journal published on Thursday, July 24, Barlage revealed the group has also received at least 5,000 season ticket deposits, a major feat for the organization. He also noted that the original team name — the Cleveland Rockers — is being considered for the new franchise.
The Rockers were part of the league from 1997 to 2003, and as the Journal reminded readers, the reason the team disbanded actually has something to do with LeBron James.
James was a recently drafted rookie in 2003 when the Rockers folded. Gordon Gund, who owned the Rockers and the Cavaliers, decided to place financial priority on James — a fact that is understandable, given all we know about his talent and prowess, but that also meant Gund attempted to find a new ownership group for the WNBA team.
When that failed, the team folded, despite protests from fans who gathered outside the arena during James' first game.
There's been no word on whether or not James, who has deep roots in Ohio, will be part of the ownership group or affiliated in any way with the new WNBA team.