Rock Entertainment Group Unveils Proposed Name for Cleveland’s New WNBA Franchise: Ohio Wolverines

CLEVELAND (March 31, 2026) – Rock Entertainment Group (REG), which includes the Cleveland Cavaliers and Rocket Arena, today unveiled the proposed name for Cleveland’s new WNBA franchise: the Ohio Wolverines.

Owned and operated by REG and Chairman Dan Gilbert, the Cleveland WNBA team is set to begin play at Rocket Arena in 2028.

“The ‘Ohio Wolverines sends an olive branch to Ohio’s neighbors to the north.  With all the polarization in politics and elsewhere in our country, we believe that ending a long-standing rivalry between Ohio and Michigan, which dates back many years, will serve as a great example of how people of different backgrounds and communities can come together despite a long history of conflict. What better way to display this than in professional sports,” said Allison Howard, Cleveland WNBA President of Business Operations. “As Cleveland’s new WNBA franchise prepares to hit the hardwood, we’re focused on building a team identity that feels authentic to this community and to the broader Midwest.”

The proposed name, Ohio Wolverines, is intended to reflect the toughness, competitive spirit and regional pride of the Midwest, underscoring the franchise’s commitment to both Cleveland and the broader region. REG has begun the trademark and brand development process and will work closely with the WNBA through the league’s standard review and approval steps.

“The Midwest work ethic is a real thing. As someone who has spent much time on both sides of the border, I can tell you that Ohio and Michigan have much more similarities than we do differences,” said Dan Gilbert, Chairman of Rock Entertainment Group. “As we build a new chapter for women’s professional basketball in Cleveland, we wanted a name that reflects strength, resilience and regional pride – while also sending a message that sports can bring people together.”

Since September 2025, the Ohio Wolverines have hosted 29 female-focused events, engaging more than 2,600 girls ages 8–17 through all-girls basketball camps, clinics, coach training and professional development experiences.

Building on this momentum, the team will further invest in programming designed to expand access to basketball courts and equipment, as well as summer camps and other opportunities for young female athletes across the region. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

With Detroit also recently awarded a WNBA franchise, REG encourages Tom Gores and Arn Tellem to embrace the same spirit of regional unity by naming their new WNBA team the “Michigan Buckeyes,” creating a complementary identity to the Ohio Wolverines, as Cleveland and Detroit build new traditions and grow the game together, all from the shores of Lake Erie along the Midwest Mediterranean.

Official Ohio Wolverines merch will be available online at ohiowolverines.com within the next 60 days. Use the code APRILFOOLS to receive 28% off your first order.