Cleveland’s new WNBA franchise finally has a name, and it leans hard into the city’s connection to Lake Erie.
During a live-streamed unveiling on August 4th, the team revealed it will be known as the Cleveland Sirens. The name, according to the presentation, was selected “for Lake Erie’s power and pull”.
The announcement came with Cleveland Cavaliers president of basketball operations Koby Altman among the presentation group, offering the first real look at the newest chapter of Cleveland’s place in the WNBA. The franchise is set to begin play in 2028.
For Cleveland fans wondering whether the old Rockers identity might make a comeback, the unveiling did at least acknowledge the past. The city previously had a WNBA team under the Cleveland Rockers name before the franchise was dissolved after Cavaliers owner Gordon Gund no longer wanted to house it.
The Rockers were referenced in the press release, which said: “Cleveland gave the world rock and roll, then brought that sound to the WNBA stage. Now, we’re back.
With a different song. A louder one.”
Grant Gilbert said polling and research played a major role in shaping the name and design process, with the city’s pride in Lake Erie helping push the branding in a new direction.
Siren’s president of basketball operations, Allison Howard, described the thinking behind the choice and the energy the creative team wanted the name to carry.
“The Siren is very powerful, unapologetic, relentless. We see it as the epitome of power and the best team name. Even from the logo you can feel the energy and thunderous passion.”
Howard also tied the unveiling to the fans in attendance and the broader growth of women’s sports, saying: “She is ready. This (unveiling) is really a testament to the fans in this building.
She has been here, just like the fans of women’s sports. She is here and she is ready to usher in a new era of women’s sports.”
The team’s motto will be “Hear the Call”. Uniforms and other details will be announced later.
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