Cleveland’s new expansion WNBA push has named Allison Howard as team president, a role she’ll begin while continuing as executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Rock Entertainment Group and the Cavaliers. Her Cleveland WNBA operations launch is set for 2028, with the team already pledging an inclusive, pride-forward brand and strong community engagement. Howard previously led the Kansas City Current as the NWSL’s first president, a track record that signals a principled push for growth, partnerships and youth programming that could reshape Cleveland’s women’s sports footprint.

Riding on the Cavaliers’ existing market strength and Rock Entertainment Group's commercial machinery, the move aims to fuse culture, fan experience and revenue strategy into a single platform for the WNBA franchise. The cross-promotional potential and shared arena footprint are framed as catalysts for long-term loyalty and regional pride, with a clear emphasis on building a brand that belongs to all fans across Ohio.