The WNBA is rising and it looks like everyone needs to be part of the motion, together with Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell. Throughout a current observe, Mitchell mentioned his want to see his metropolis be thought of for one of many growth groups.
“I believe Cleveland undoubtedly deserves a WNBA workforce,” Mitchell mentioned. “It is massive time for Portland and San Francisco so as to add one. However Cleveland is an ideal sports activities metropolis for it. The WNBA is at an all-time excessive and I like the competitors. Been this fashion for some time and I believe folks are actually beginning to lastly listen.”
His feedback come at a time by which the WNBA is making an attempt to increase to 16 groups, up from the present 12, by 2028. For now, there are already three new groups set to affix the league within the two years, with the addition of the Golden State Valkyries subsequent season, and franchises in Portland and Toronto slated to start play in 2026.
“I might like to be a part of that [franchise in Cleveland] for positive if that ever occurs,” Mitchell mentioned. “It has been nice basketball. It is develop into extra nationwide. I really feel like us as gamers, we have been there from the leap. I believe it is nice that the world is lastly beginning to see what all of us see.”
It is very important notice that Cleveland will not be one of many cities which were mentioned as potential touchdown sports activities, no less than not publicly. Nevertheless, town does have some historical past with the league as that they had the Rockers from 1997 till 2003. That was one of many eight inaugural WNBA groups, and it was owned by Gordon Gund, who beforehand owned the Cavs.
For now, essentially the most talked about locations for that sixteenth squad have been Philadelphia, Nashville, South Florida and Denver. The recognition of the WNBA is shortly rising, which naturally means those that are inquisitive about getting a workforce must pay a hefty worth. Based on Sports activities Enterprise Journal, bids to affix the WNBA are coming in within the $200 million to $250 million vary.
