WNBA Expansion: Cleveland Sirens Announced as 16th Team for 2028
Key Questions
When will the WNBA expand to a 50-game season?
The league will move to a 50-game regular season starting in 2027. This increases the schedule from the current 44 games.
Why is the WNBA expanding the regular season?
The change supports the league's ongoing growth and increased popularity. Multiple sources confirmed the structural update.
What is the impact of the 50-game season on players?
The longer schedule will increase player workload as part of the league's expansion. It represents a significant development for the WNBA.
WNBA officially announced Cleveland Sirens as the league's 16th expansion team, debuting in 2028. The branding ties to Lake Erie and the Great Lakes, with a nod to the former Rockers. 9,000 season ticket deposits already. This is a major league growth story following Valkyries, Tempo, and Fire. Fans will care about the new identity and the return to Cleveland.
Sources (2)
Updated Aug 5, 2026