From Lake Erie to the Hardwood: Meet the Cleveland Sirens
We’ve known for some time that the WNBA was returning to Cleveland, but now the city’s newest franchise finally has an identity: the Cleveland Sirens.
Roughly 5,000 fans packed Rocket Arena on Tuesday morning to witness the official unveiling. The lower bowl and upper sections opposite the stage were filled with supporters, while hundreds of VIPs took their seats on the floor, including Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, former Sherwin-Williams CEO John Morikis, and former Ohio State football head coach and current Ohio Lieutenant Governor Jim Tressel.
From the moment fans entered Rocket Arena, it was clear this wasn’t an ordinary Cavaliers event. Gone were the familiar Wine and Gold colors. Instead, the downtown venue was transformed with shades of navy blue and aqua, giving attendees their first glimpse of the franchise’s new visual identity.
The presentation matched the anticipation. Dramatic lighting set the stage as bubbles, some filled with smoke, drifted from the rafters while excitement built throughout the arena.
When the Cleveland Sirens name and logo were finally revealed, the crowd erupted in applause. Many fans immediately voiced their approval, praising the ownership group’s creative direction for the franchise’s new look. The team was rewarded with a line of fans out the door of the team shop, ready to purchase gear to show their support of the Sirens.
According to team officials, the branding effort centered around three priorities: creating an identity distinct from the Cavaliers, establishing a connection to Lake Erie, and developing a modern, progressive brand. The organization believes the Sirens identity successfully achieves all three.
The Sirens will begin play in 2028 and become Cleveland’s second WNBA franchise. The Cleveland Rockers were one of the league’s original teams before folding in 2003 after then-owner Gordon Gund was unable to find a buyer.
Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, which has owned the Cavaliers since 2005, paid a $250 million expansion fee to bring the WNBA back to Cleveland.
So why the nickname “Sirens”?
In Greek mythology, sirens are legendary creatures whose voices lured sailors toward dangerous shores. The name also ties into Cleveland’s identity along the shores of Lake Erie while serving as a nod to the city’s rich musical heritage as the home of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
We look forward to seeing and following the story of the Sirens in the coming months.