Larry Nance Jr. Just Gave Cleveland's New Team A Real Boost

Larry Nance Jr.'s latest show of support for Cleveland highlights his ongoing connection to the city as he becomes the Cleveland Sirens' first season ticket holder.

Larry Nance Jr. is keeping a foot in Cleveland, even after leaving the Cavs for the Pacers.

The former Cavs forward said he has already bought season tickets for the Cleveland Sirens’ inaugural season, giving the city’s newest basketball team an early splash of star power from one of its most recognizable names.

“😍😍 Already have our season tickets!!! Can’t wait! https://t.co/ZJS1bHeveG”

The announcement lands at a moment when Cleveland basketball nostalgia is running hot. The Nance family name has been part of the city for nearly four decades, dating back to Larry Nance Sr.’s arrival from Phoenix in a major trade that included then-rookie Kevin Johnson. By the time Sr. retired, his No. 22 jersey was hanging in the Gund Arena rafters.

That connection got a second chapter when the Cavs traded for Larry Nance Jr. at the 2018 trade deadline. He spent 2.5 years with the team, wore his father’s retired number, and eventually found his way back to Cleveland again this past season before departing for Indiana.

The Sirens’ arrival has already stirred up a strong reaction. Last week, the team officially announced its new mascot for the 2028 season, and fans rushed to the team website for merchandise. Social media lit up too, with plenty of excitement around both the name and the return of WNBA basketball to Cleveland, where the league hasn’t been since 2003, the final season of the Rockers.

Nance Jr. was the first to publicly say he had locked in season tickets, but he almost certainly won’t be the last. His move comes just a month after he signed with the Pacers, and the two cities are separated by a four-hour drive.

For Cleveland, though, the bigger takeaway is simple: the Sirens are already pulling in support, and one of the city’s favorite basketball families is in from the start.

With two years left before the wait ends, the momentum is building fast. The merch moved quickly.

The tickets are on sale. And now Larry Nance Jr. is officially part of the crowd.

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