Cleveland’s new WNBA expansion team has revealed its official name: the Cleveland Sirens.
Event Context
On Tuesday, the team’s name and branding were unveiled at a launch event held at Rocket Arena. This announcement marks the lead-up to their inaugural season in 2028, where they will compete as the 16th team in the league.
Inside the team branding: Logo and palette explained
Cleveland was one of the initial markets for the WNBA when it debuted in 1997, but the Rockers franchise ended its operations in 2003 due to the inability of owner Gordon Gund to find a new ownership group.
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According to the team, “The identity is a genuine representation of Cleveland, a city influenced by its scenic lakefront, which acts as a communal hub for the region. The name and branding emerged from a year-long, community-focused process that engaged fans.”
The team also elaborated on the design inspiration behind the logo, stating that it features several subtle elements symbolizing the Sirens and Cleveland’s relationship with water.
“The logo embodies the Siren’s fluidity, with the character emerging from beneath the surface, signifying the power of the depths while the tail and basketball rise above the waves. The prominent ‘S’ in the Cleveland Sirens wordmark cleverly integrates the letters ‘C’ (Cleveland), ‘S’ (Sirens), and ‘CLE’ within its shape, culminating in a trident at its tip. The decorative swashes flanking the wordmark ripple outward, reminiscent of the resonating sound waves of a siren’s call,” the team explained.
Furthermore, the franchise emphasized that its color palette was thoughtfully crafted to echo Cleveland’s natural scenery alongside the city’s legacy in the WNBA.
Match Outlook
The Cleveland Sirens are set to create a wave of excitement as the franchise recently announced over 8,500 season ticket deposits, despite its inaugural season being nearly two years away. This strong showing reflects the passion of local fans. Given the franchise’s history, many anticipated a return to the Rockers name, which held significance during the city’s early WNBA days. However, the ownership group has chosen to move forward with the Sirens brand.
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The franchise has explained that the name was selected to embody the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of Northeast Ohio. Furthermore, it serves as a homage to Lake Erie, a defining symbol of Cleveland and a source of regional pride.
