Cleveland is already stacking its WNBA roster, as the upcoming expansion team added women’s sports-focused investment firm Monarch Collective alongside business leaders with Ohio ties to its growing ownership group on Tuesday.
Monarch Collective, whose portfolio already includes the NWSL's Angel City, Boston Legacy, and San Diego Wave, chose Cleveland as its first-ever strategic WNBA investment — and its first foray into backing basketball in general.
Joining the firm in as fellow minority owners in the WNBA's 16th team are Liz Yee, Ted Coons, Steve and Lauren Spilman, Steve Demetriou, Michael Petras, John Morikis, Chris Hyland, and AJ Murphy.
"Our commitment to Ohio runs deep, and this strategic investment – along with partners who share our fervor for women's sports in this region – marks a powerful next step for our franchise," said Rock Entertainment group chairman and majority owner Dan Gilbert in Tuesday's press release.
Fans are already clamoring to catch the new team in action, with the franchise already securing more than 8,000 initial season ticket deposits ahead of its planned 2028 season debut — nearly 25 years after the folding of the city's original WNBA squad, the Cleveland Rockers.
"We believe in the present and future of women's sports," added Gilbert. "The ownership group we have assembled will help propel this franchise forward and support its mission to become a force for good in our community and across the sport."
How to buy WNBA Cleveland season tickets
WNBA fans looking for season tickets when Cleveland begins playing in 2028 can place an initial $28 deposit — which includes a time-stamped spot on the seat selection list — via the franchise's official ticketing partner, SeatGeek.
