Cleveland’s newest WNBA franchise, the Sirens, has introduced a distinct identity that sets it apart from the city’s NBA team, the Cleveland Cavaliers. The expansion team unveiled royal blue as its primary color along with the name “Sirens,” inspired by Lake Erie and Greek mythology, signaling a conscious effort to establish its own brand rather than mirror the Cavaliers’ long-standing image.
Speaking to the media on August 4, 2026, Sirens executive Allison Howard explained that the team’s branding choices were intentional. She said the organization wanted to avoid being viewed as a women’s version of the Cavaliers, instead creating a unique identity that reflects the franchise’s own vision, culture, and connection to Cleveland.
Why Don’t the Cleveland Sirens Want to Be Linked to the NBA’s Cavaliers?
Cleveland Sirens executive Allison Howard said the franchise has intentionally built its own identity instead of being viewed as an extension of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. Explaining the reasoning behind the team’s branding, Howard stressed that the Sirens wanted to establish a distinct presence in the WNBA while continuing to respect the Cavaliers’ legacy. “We don’t want to be the Lady Cavaliers, and we don’t want to be a lightning bolt. We need to be very separate and very distinct. We love our Cavaliers, and they’re such an important part of this organisation, but this team exists on the independent side of the Cavaliers.”
Howard also noted that the Sirens are targeting a different fan base from the Cavaliers, saying the two franchises appeal to audiences with different habits and expectations. “The demographic is totally different. The demographic that will come to Rocket Arena in 2028 for the Sirens game is going to be very different than (sic) the ones that come to the Cavaliers. They eat different food. They drink different drinks. They get here earlier. They purchase merchandise differently. And they come from all over the state and even outside of the state.”
The Sirens’ approach reflects a broader trend among WNBA expansion teams seeking to establish independent identities rather than mirror their NBA counterparts. Franchises such as the Golden State Valkyries have also adopted branding that differs significantly from the Warriors, while the New York Liberty maintain their own colors and identity instead of matching the Knicks or the Nets.
When Will the Cleveland Sirens Play Their First WNBA Game?
The Cleveland Sirens are set to make their WNBA debut in May 2028, with their first game expected to be played at Rocket Arena. While the league has not yet announced the official schedule, the inaugural season fixtures are expected to be released in late 2027 or early 2028.
Before taking the court, the franchise will build its roster through the WNBA Expansion Draft in early 2028, followed by the WNBA Draft in April, where it will add rookie talent ahead of its first season.
