The WNBA just hit another major milestone, and the numbers are turning heads across the basketball world. Cleveland has officially been awarded the league’s 16th franchise, the Cleveland Sirens, set to begin play in 2028. But it wasn’t just the expansion announcement that grabbed attention—it was the eye-popping $250 million expansion fee paid by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group.
NBA Hall of Famer Chris Bosh wasted no time celebrating the news. More importantly, he shared a comparison that perfectly captures how dramatically women’s basketball has grown over the past two decades. Let’s just say the numbers are enough to make basketball fans do a double take.
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Chris Bosh Compares the Sirens’ Fee to Mark Cuban’s Mavericks Purchase
Bosh took to social media after the announcement, praising the WNBA’s continued expansion and encouraging fans to appreciate the league’s remarkable business growth.
In a video message, the two-time NBA champion pointed out one incredible fact: Dan Gilbert’s group paid $250 million to bring the Cleveland Sirens to the WNBA.
Then came the comparison that had fans buzzing.
Bosh reminded everyone that Mark Cuban purchased the Dallas Mavericks for $285 million back in 2000—only $35 million more than what it now costs just to secure a WNBA expansion franchise.
As someone who grew up around Dallas basketball, Bosh recalled how significant Cuban’s purchase felt at the time. Fast forward 28 years, and a similar figure is now the entry fee into the WNBA. Talk about a plot twist worthy of a sports documentary.
WNBA’s Financial Rise Is Reaching New Heights
Bosh believes the massive expansion fee reflects more than just rising franchise values—it signals growing confidence in women’s basketball.
“The women’s game continues to grow,” he emphasized, highlighting the increasing investments flowing into the sport.
The numbers certainly back him up.
The Cleveland Sirens’ $250 million expansion fee establishes a new benchmark for the league and showcases how rapidly the WNBA’s business model has evolved. Increased television ratings, stronger sponsorship deals, growing attendance, and rising fan engagement have all fueled the league’s impressive momentum.
Basketball fans who once questioned the league’s growth might now be checking those old predictions like a missed free throw replay.
Cleveland Sirens Continue the WNBA’s Expansion Wave
The Cleveland Sirens will officially join the WNBA in 2028, becoming the league’s 16th franchise.
The team joins the recent expansion movement that also includes Toronto and Portland, reflecting the league’s long-term commitment to growth across North America.
For Cleveland, the announcement also marks the return of professional women’s basketball after the Cleveland Rockers ceased operations in 2003.
Ownership will be led by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, giving the organization several years to build its brand, develop its fan base, and prepare for its inaugural season.
From Mark Cuban’s Investment to Billion-Dollar Women’s Sports
Bosh’s comparison becomes even more striking when looking at today’s basketball economy.
Mark Cuban famously bought a majority stake in the Dallas Mavericks for $285 million in 2000 before later selling a majority stake at a valuation of approximately $3.5 billion.
Meanwhile, women’s basketball continues reaching milestones of its own. Earlier this year, the Golden State Valkyries became the first franchise in women’s professional sports to achieve a $1 billion valuation, highlighting the growing commercial power of the WNBA.
The league has transformed from a promising investment into one of the fastest-rising properties in professional sports—and investors are clearly paying attention.
Cleveland’s Arrival Signals a Bright Future for the WNBA
The arrival of the Cleveland Sirens represents far more than another expansion team—it reflects the WNBA’s remarkable rise in popularity, business value, and national relevance.
Chris Bosh’s comparison between the Sirens’ $250 million expansion fee and Mark Cuban’s $285 million Mavericks purchase perfectly illustrates how much the basketball landscape has changed. As the league prepares to welcome Cleveland in 2028, along with recent additions in Toronto and Portland, the future looks brighter than ever.
If the current momentum continues, today’s record-breaking expansion fee may someday look like a bargain. In sports business, yesterday’s jaw-dropping number has a funny habit of becoming tomorrow’s “Can you believe it was that cheap?”
FAQ:
Why did Chris Bosh compare the Cleveland Sirens to the Dallas Mavericks?
Chris Bosh compared the Cleveland Sirens’ $250 million WNBA expansion fee to Mark Cuban’s $285 million purchase of the Dallas Mavericks in 2000 to highlight how dramatically the business of women’s basketball has grown.
Who owns the new WNBA team, the Cleveland Sirens?
The Cleveland Sirens are owned by Dan Gilbert’s Rock Entertainment Group, which secured the franchise by paying a record $250 million expansion fee.
When will the Cleveland Sirens begin playing in the WNBA?
The Cleveland Sirens are scheduled to make their WNBA debut in the 2028 season as the league’s 16th franchise.
How much was the Cleveland Sirens’ WNBA expansion fee?
The ownership group paid $250 million to secure the Cleveland expansion franchise, setting a new benchmark for WNBA expansion fees.
Why is the Cleveland Sirens’ expansion fee considered historic?
The $250 million fee is significant because it is nearly equal to the $285 million Mark Cuban paid for the Dallas Mavericks in 2000, illustrating the WNBA’s rapid financial growth and increasing franchise values.
What did Chris Bosh say about the WNBA’s growth?
Chris Bosh praised the WNBA’s continued expansion, saying the league is attracting major investment and encouraging fans to support women’s basketball, calling it a great product that continues to evolve.
Which cities are part of the WNBA’s recent expansion?
The WNBA’s recent expansion includes Toronto, Portland, and Cleveland, with the Cleveland Sirens set to join the league in 2028.
Why are WNBA franchise values increasing?
Growing television audiences, stronger sponsorship deals, higher attendance, increased media exposure, and rising investor confidence have all contributed to the rapid increase in WNBA franchise values.
What happened to Cleveland’s previous WNBA team?
Cleveland was previously home to the Cleveland Rockers, one of the WNBA’s original franchises. The team folded in 2003, making the Sirens the city’s return to the league after 25 years.
What does the Cleveland Sirens franchise mean for the future of the WNBA?
The addition of the Cleveland Sirens signals continued confidence in the WNBA’s long-term growth. It reflects the league’s expanding popularity, stronger financial outlook, and commitment to bringing professional women’s basketball to new markets.
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