Donovan Mitchell thinks Cleveland ‘definitely deserves a WNBA team’

Mitchell would love to be a part of bringing the WNBA back to Cleveland.

The WNBA is expanding. The Golden State Valkyries will be the 13th team that will be added for the 2025 season. New franchises in Portland and Toronto have been announced as well. Cleveland Cavaliers’ star Donovan Mitchell thinks Cleveland would be a good spot for another addition.

“I think Cleveland definitely deserves a WNBA team,” Mitchell said after practice Friday. “It’s a perfect sports city for it.”

Cleveland was home to the Rockers from 1997 through 2003. Gordan Gund who previously owned the Cavs as well, couldn’t find a buyer for the team in 2002. The team folded at the close of the following season. The WNBA is in a much better place now than it was then.

“I think the WNBA is at an all-time high,” Mitchell said. “I love the competition that’s going around. It’s been this way for a while. I think people are now starting to finally pay attention. It’s been great basketball. I think now it’s finally starting to become more national.”

WNBA viewership and attendance have been at record levels this season. The popularity of Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese play large roles in that. With emerging talent like Paige Bueckers entering the league next season, that popularity will likely only continue to grow. Mitchell is willing to play a role in making sure a team returns to Cleveland.

“As far as expansion, I think Cleveland definitely deserves a team,” Mitchell said. “I’d love to be a part of that for sure if that ever happens.”