CLEVELAND — Women’s basketball players in Ohio can look forward to 28 unique camps, clinics, coaching sessions and professional development opportunities in celebration of the Women’s National Basketball Association’s (WNBA) 16th expansion team.

What You Need To Know

Young women in Ohio can look forward to 28 unique camps thanks to the WNBA

Cleveland Cavs ownership became the WNBA’s 16th expansion team on June 30

The WNBA hopes to become more impactful through incusion

Cleveland was announced as the WNBA’s newest competitive landscape on June 30 after Cleveland Cavaliers Majority Owner, Dan Gilbert, successfully won an intense bidding war.

Cavs ownership hopes to help develop basketball talent and bring women’s professional basketball back to the state.

“Bringing women’s professional basketball back to Ohio is a source of immense pride for our entire organization and region,” said Grant Gilbert, Cleveland Cavaliers Vice President of Basketball and Business. “When we build, we’re all in. Cleveland’s WNBA franchise will be known for its investment in both championship-caliber culture and the community.”

(Spectrum News 1/Chloe Magill)

WNBA leaders feel Cleveland is joining the league just as it is tapping into its potential.

“Cleveland is joining the WNBA family at the most exciting time in the history of our league,” said Cathy Engelbert, WNBA Commissioner. “When we started to explore expansion opportunities, we looked for markets that could deliver on three things: a committed ownership group, a passionate and dedicated fan base and the community that embraces the power of women’s sports. Cleveland delivers on all three.”

The league hopes to create a long-term connection through inclusion.

“We believe that if you want real, lasting impact, you have to first listen, show up and connect before you ever draw up a playbook.” said Allison Howard, Cleveland WNBA President of Business Operations. “That’s why every decision we make is grounded in empowering Cleveland, letting the city’s energy, ideas, and spirit shape the team—long before the action hits the court. When community leads, greatness follows.”

(Spectrum News 1/Chloe Magill)

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb hopes the city can capitalize on once again being a spotlight for women’s basketball. 

“I saw firsthand what that could look like when we hosted the women’s Final Four,” he said. “That event brought nearly $35 million in economic impact to the city. “What I’m most excited about is the fact that Cleveland will be a place where young athletes, but especially our female athletes, can live their God given potential right here in the great city of Cleveland, Ohio.” 

Fans are already excited. Nearly 7,000 initial seat payments have been placed as of Tuesday. The team also announced a name for the new WNBA franchise in Cleveland will come out in January or February.

Spectrum News 1 reporter Jack Berney contributed to this report.