According to Sports Business Journal, the Rockers — expected to begin play in 2028 — will be the WNBA’s 16th franchise with a record bid valued at $250 million.

The WNBA is likely to award Cleveland its 16th franchise, Sports Business Journal reported this weekend, involving a bid led by Cavs owner Dan Gilbert worth as much as $250 million. A formal announcement is expected,

According to Sports Business Journal sources, the WNBA is slated to return to Cleveland after the Rockers folded after the 2003 season.

The WNBA could add up to three franchises. The league reportedly applied for trademarks for the name "Cleveland Rockers," "Houston Comets," "Detroit Shock" and the "Miami Sol" as it looks to add 16th and possibly 17th and 18th franchises.

There's a buzz around Cleveland followinga Sports Business Journal report that the city is "likely" to be selected for a WNBA expansion team that would see the Cleveland Rockers return in 2028. However, while excitement is rising, a Cleveland Cavaliers spokesperson said no official decision has been made at this time.

The WNBA is reportedly gearing up to announce its next expansion franchise, with Cleveland leading the charge.

The Rockers, a Cleveland WNBA team that folded in 2003 because of low attendance — Caitlin Clark was 1 year old — are making a comeback, according to a report published Feb. 16 in Sports Business

Cleveland's reported $250 million bid for a WNBA team is twice what Toronto and Portland paid in their respective expansion fees.

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