HARPERSFIELD TOWNSHIP and CLEVELAND, OH — The WNBA is making its long-awaited return to Cleveland after a 25-year absence. The league officially announced today that Cleveland, along with Detroit and Philadelphia, has been awarded one of three new expansion franchises. The team is expected to begin play in the 2028 season (news5cleveland.com).

Read the full announcement from the Cavaliers organization here: WNBA Announces Cleveland as Next Expansion City

At SPIRE Academy, we’re thrilled to see this renewed commitment to women’s basketball in Northeast Ohio. With Cleveland’s sports and entertainment scene continuing to grow, including the impact of organizations like Rock Entertainment Group, we’re proud to help elevate the women’s game and support a future that inspires the next generation.

That future is already taking shape on our campus. This fall, SPIRE adds two nationally ranked standouts to its roster:

Saniyah Hall, the No. 1 player in the class of 2026 and a USA Basketball U19 National Team selection, and Ariyana “Peanut” Cradle, the No. 56 player in the same class and a dynamic guard.  

The WNBA’s return to Cleveland makes their journey even more meaningful, showing that the path to the pros runs right through Northeast Ohio.

“The announcement that the WNBA is expanding back into the Cleveland market is an exciting and important one for our region and our sport,” said SPIRE Women’s Basketball Head Coach Mike Dooley. “Women’s basketball in general, and here at SPIRE, is growing rapidly all over the world. At SPIRE, we’re committed to developing the next generation of female athletes, not just as players, but as people and leaders. Having a professional team so close to home gives our student athletes a powerful vision of what’s possible. It inspires us all to keep pushing the game forward.”

The game is rising, and so is the next wave of talent. 

Learn more about SPIRE Women’s Basketball here.