It may be a few years before Cleveland's WNBA team is up and running in the city, but you can get official merch now. Here's where.
Even though Cleveland's newest professional sports team won't be hitting the court until 2028, you don't have to wait until then to start representing.
Cleveland WNBA gear is now available for purchase online at the Center Court store, which now has a WNBA CLE tab.
What Cleveland WNBA merch is available?
So far, there are hats, hoodies and T-shirts to choose from in black and orange, orange and white and a combination of the three color schemes. Some of the items are Nike branded, while others are in collaboration with Ohio-based Homage.
When did Cleveland get a WNBA team?
The new Cleveland WNBA team, awarded by the league to Rock Entertainment Group and Dan Gilbert, was announced July 1. As of that date, the team has secured 2,500 commitments for season tickets for their inaugural season, according to a report from Crain’s Cleveland Business. The team, which reportedly cost $250 million, will begin play in 2028 as the league’s 16th franchise.
When did Cleveland last have a WNBA team?
Cleveland’s last WNBA franchise, the Rockers, played from 1997-2003, but when they ceased play, the sports universe was vastly different – especially women’s sports.
Excitement around Cleveland WNBA team should be no surprise
Revenue from women’s sports eclipsed more than a billion dollars in 2024 and, according to a study from Deloitte, a financial services and a consulting firm, that number will grow to $2.35 billion, a record.
According to a WNBA release, 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.
Given the passion of sports fans in Northeast Ohio, the early support for Cleveland’s newest franchise comes as no surprise. This is a region that has stood by the Browns — a team that has struggled for much of the three decades since returning to play — the Guardians, who have remained competitive but fallen short of a championship, and the Cavaliers, who lost their superstar player not once, but twice.
George M. Thomas contributed to this report.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Where to buy Cleveland WNBA merch
Category: General Sports
