Cleveland’s forthcoming WNBA franchise announces name and brandingCleveland’s forthcoming WNBA franchise announces name and branding
Cleveland’s forthcoming WNBA franchise announces name and branding
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August 06, 2026
A little over a year ago, Cleveland was announced as the WNBA’s 16th franchise after Rock Entertainment Group (REG) paid a historic $250 million expansion fee. Now, the city finally knows who they’ll be cheering for: the Sirens. The club debuted its name and branding on Tuesday at Rocket Arena, the 19.4K-seater stadium where it will begin play in 2028.
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 A women’s sports history lesson: Venus & Serena Williams, the ultimate doubles duo A women’s sports history lesson: Venus & Serena Williams, the ultimate doubles duo

Today, The GIST of It is celebrating iconic women: Venus and Serena Williams are returning to doubles, playing together for the first time since 2022 at the iconic US Open. Plenty of folks know about the siblings’ tremendous singles success, but their doubles prowess is sometimes an afterthought. In honor of their return to the court, today’s One Big Story is a women’s sports history lesson on one of the greatest tennis teams to ever take the court.

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Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
Jess Smith breaks down the Golden State Valkyries’ billion-dollar strategy
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The Golden State Valkyries may as well be in Valhalla (or Ballhalla, as they call it). Shortly after the team shared its season two promotional campaign, CNBC deemed the Valks a billion-dollar franchise — the first in women’s sports history. That’s no accident. Valkyries president Jess Smith and her team have been busy building a juggernaut brand — and in a region full of fervent fans and powerful sponsors, that becomes a billion-dollar pursuit. Last month, we spoke with Smith about the strategies she’s implemented to reach this pinnacle, as well as what’s going to keep the club climbing in year two.
May 15, 2026