Cleveland WNBA Achieves First Major Community Milestone with Completion of 28 Unique Activations for Girls and Young Women
The franchise has engaged 2,665 girls across three states, advancing its long-term commitment to access, belonging and year-round investment in women’s sports
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CLEVELAND – On Wednesday, March 25, Cleveland WNBA successfully completed its community pledge – announced during the team’s expansion press conference at Rocket Arena in September 2025 – to host 28 unique activations for girls and young women across Ohio, Western Pennsylvania and Western New York. Fulfilling the promise three months ahead of schedule reinforces Cleveland WNBA’s vision of Cleveland as a destination for women’s sports and its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for female athletes to develop their basketball skills, confidence and improve emotional well-being. The final activation brought 60 girls, aged 8-14, to Rocket Arena, the future home of the 16th WNBA franchise, for an all-girls youth clinic led by female coaches and staff.
“Today is both a celebration of an achievement and a powerful step forward in our mission to build the most inclusive brand in sports,” said Allison Howard, Cleveland WNBA President of Business Operations. “We will continue to show up, listen and connect with our community as we create real opportunities for girls and young women to grow, with access and belonging woven into all we do and guiding every decision we make.”
From September 2025 through March 2026, Cleveland WNBA curated 28 female-focused events, engaging 2,665 girls aged 8-17 in all-girls basketball camps, clinics, coach trainings and professional development experiences. In total, the franchise worked alongside 17 community partners, including collaborations with the City of Cleveland and Cleveland Metropolitan School District, to deliver programming shaped by neighborhood needs held at local schools, community gyms and recreation centers. Cleveland WNBA will continue to offer accessible programming to community members, fostering safe, empowering spaces where young women can flourish.
As the team celebrates the completion of the initial pledge, it has already prepared additional activations, with the next set to take place on Friday, March 27, in Columbus, Ohio, in partnership with LiFEsports at The Ohio State University. Between 60 and 100 girls will build their skills on and off the court, deepening the connection between what they learn in the game and how they can succeed in the classroom. By partnering with leaders, fans and supporters across the region, Cleveland WNBA continues to build authentic relationships with young girls and female athletes who will become lifelong fans and advocates of women’s sports.
The WNBA first announced that Cleveland would become the home to the league’s 16th team on June 30, 2025, and is set to tip off play in 2028 at Rocket Arena.
Fans who wish to place a $28 initial payment for a future Cleveland WNBA team membership can do so at WNBACleveland.com. For franchise business and community updates and more information, fans can follow @ClevelandWNBA on X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok and subscribe to text alerts by texting WCLE to 30594.
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ABOUT CLEVELAND WNBA
Cleveland WNBA is the 16th franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).The team, operated by Rock Entertainment Group, will begin play in the 2028 season at Rocket Arena, downtown Cleveland’s premier 19,000-seat venue, which is also home to the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and AHL’s Cleveland Monsters. Cleveland WNBA will train at their own dedicated practice facility, Cleveland Clinic Courts, the premier 52,000-square-foot performance center in Independence, Ohio. Dan Gilbert is the Chairman of Cleveland WNBA. Nic Barlage is Cleveland WNBA, Rocket Arena and Rock Entertainment Group CEO and Allison Howard leads Cleveland WNBA as President of Business Operations.
ABOUT ROCK ENTERTAINMENT GROUP
Rock Entertainment Group (REG), formed in 2021 under the Dan Gilbert ROCK Family of Companies, oversees a diverse portfolio of sports and entertainment properties. These include the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers, WNBA’s Cleveland expansion team coming in 2028, AHL’s Cleveland Monsters, NBA G League’s Cleveland Charge and Cavs Legion of the NBA 2K League. REG operates and manages Rocket Arena and Cleveland Clinic Courts in Independence, Ohio. In partnership with Gray Media, REG also owns and operates Rock Entertainment Sports Network, providing 24/7 local Ohio sports and entertainment programming. Rock Entertainment Group unifies multiple sports, venues, music, and content properties, fostering collaboration, growth and new opportunities while delivering exceptional experiences for fans, teams, partners and staff.
Media Contact:
Zach Abaie