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Cleveland Cavs Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland open arms wide for new WNBA franchise
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- Cleveland Cavs Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland open arms wide for new WNBA franchise
When the WNBA's 16th franchise begins play in Cleveland in 2028 , it will be welcomed with open arms by the team's NBA brethren.
Cleveland Cavaliers players Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland took to social media to express their support for the WNBA's return to the city.
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"Just want to say, WNBA welcome to Cleveland. We're excited. I know the fans are. The city's excited. It will be a lot of fun," Mitchell wrote on X. "I'm excited to watch some games. Welcome W! Welcome to Cleveland and we'll see you guys soon."
Darius Garland (facing) hugs Donovan Mitchell after the Cavaliers' season-ending Game 5 loss in the second round of the NBA playoffs, May 13, 2025, in Cleveland.
Garland was just as enthusiastic.
"Just want to come in and say we're super excited to welcome the WNBA to The Land," the Cavs point guard wrote. "I can't wait to come watch some games and come and support."
When will the new Cleveland WNBA team begin play?
The unnamed franchise will begin play in 2028 at Rocket Arena as the 16th franchise in the league, with teams in Detroit (2029) and Philadelphia to follow (2030). The number 16 is key to the recognizing how things have changed for the league. The most teams the WNBA has had was 16 in 2002 before contraction. When the Detroit team arrives, it will be the largest the WNBA has ever been.
Cleveland's last WNBA team was called the Rockers and played at the then-Gund Arena from 1997-2003.
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Why is the WNBA experiencing such growth?
The primary reason the WNBA continues to grow is the continued growth of women's sports from quality and competitive standpoints. That growth has led to bankable stars such as Caitlin Clark, arguably the face of the league, and Angel Reese.
Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and bankable stars lead to surge in popularity for WNBA
Clark and Reese helped lead the league to record numbers in arenas and on television.
According to Forbes, attendance increased by 50% in 2024 and TV viewership on ESPN increase by 170% across its platforms. Viewership on CBS Sports and ION, other broadcast partners, rose 86% and 133%, respectively, according to the WNBA.
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George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cavs Donovan Mitchell, Darius Garland thrilled about WNBA in Cleveland
