Donovan Mitchell recently shared his thoughts on Cleveland being a great city for a potential WNBA team revival, specifically advocating for the return of the Cleveland Rockers, one of the original eight WNBA franchises that folded in 2003. Mitchell has fully embraced Cleveland since joining the Cavaliers in 2022, even attending Browns games and interacting with fans.
He expressed his love for the city, which he says feels like home, especially after signing a maximum contract extension with the Cavaliers. Mitchell also highlighted Cleveland’s vibrant sports culture and mentioned that he would be eager to contribute to the potential return of a WNBA team to the city, adding that Cleveland is “a perfect sports city” for it. His comments reflect not only his connection to Cleveland but also his vision for expanding the city’s professional sports landscape.
Mitchell’s advocacy could draw attention to the possibility of a WNBA team’s return to Cleveland, a market known for its passionate sports fans.
“I would love to be part of that [franchise in Cleveland] for sure if that ever happens. It’s been great basketball. It’s become more national. I feel like us as players, we’ve been there from the jump. I think it’s great that the world is finally starting to see what we all see.”
Cleveland now has three major league sports teams: the Browns, the Cleveland Guardians, and the Cavaliers. The Cleveland Mosters (previously the Lake Erie Monsters) play in the AHL at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, along with a few other minor league teams from the greater Cleveland area.
Why Cleveland is the perfect city for the next WNBA franchise
Donovan Mitchell’s call for a return of the WNBA to Cleveland taps into the growing momentum behind the league and its recent success. The WNBA has indeed experienced record-breaking numbers, bolstered by an exciting rookie class and the continued excellence of its veteran players. Cleveland, with its deep-rooted love for basketball and sports in general, would be a fitting location for WNBA expansion, especially considering its history with the **Cleveland Rockers**, one of the league’s original teams.
The league’s recent expansion to cities like Portland, San Francisco, and Toronto suggests a willingness to return to markets that previously supported WNBA teams. With the WNBA planning to add a 16th franchise by 2028, Cleveland has a solid case, especially with Mitchell advocating for the city’s candidacy. His support could inspire further discussions about bringing the league back to Ohio.
Additionally, Cleveland’s potential expansion into professional women’s soccer, with reports of a new stadium in the works for an NWSL team, only strengthens its case as a major sports hub. With its passionate fan base, thriving basketball culture with the Cavaliers, and support for women’s athletics, Cleveland is well-positioned to embrace a new WNBA team. The city’s success with hosting Olympic-level athletes like pole vaulter Katie Moon only adds to its sports pedigree.
Mitchell’s enthusiasm for the WNBA and Cleveland’s potential as a home for both basketball and women’s soccer reflects the city’s growing significance in professional sports.