The WNBA’s return to Cleveland is official and it’s bringing a seasoned leader with it. Allison Howard, a veteran of both women’s soccer and the NBA, has been named president of the city’s new expansion franchise, which will tip off in 2028.
A Proven Leader in Women’s Sports
Howard isn’t new to making history. She was the inaugural president of the Kansas City Current, the 2022 NWSL expansion team, where she oversaw the launch of the league’s first purpose-built women’s soccer stadium and drove major growth in partnerships and ticket sales.
Currently, she serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for Rock Entertainment Group, parent company of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. She will continue in that role through the 2025–26 NBA season while laying the foundation for the WNBA franchise.
Cleveland’s Basketball Revival
Cleveland isn’t new to women’s professional basketball. The Cleveland Rockers were one of the WNBA’s original teams, playing from 1997 until folding in 2003. Now, 25 years later, the city will once again become a WNBA hub.
The Cleveland team will be part of the league’s controlled expansion to 18 franchises by 2030, with Detroit and Philadelphia also set to join the fold. Each expansion team carries a $250 million franchise fee, reflecting the league’s rapid growth and surging value.
Building More Than a Team
Howard has been clear that success will extend beyond wins and losses. Her focus includes community engagement, fan experience, and inclusivity, ensuring the new franchise becomes both a source of pride for Cleveland and a model for future expansions. “We’re committed to making this team a source of pride for our city and broader region, to inspire future athletes and to create an environment where everyone belongs and feels welcome,” Howard said in the announcement.
The Bottom Line
Cleveland’s new WNBA team won’t hit the court until 2028, but the groundwork has already begun under Allison Howard’s guidance. Her track record with the Kansas City Current and the Cavaliers signals big things ahead, for the league, for the city, and for women’s sports as a whole.
