Cleveland’s WNBA team doesn’t play until 2028 but Progressive just scored jersey sponsorship

Cleveland's WNBA team may not take the court until 2028, but the city's sports landscape just got a major boost. Progressive Insurance, a Cleveland-based company, has secured a jersey sponsorship deal with the team, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's development. This partnership is a testament to the growing interest in women's sports and the city's commitment to supporting its new WNBA team.

Background & Context

The WNBA has been steadily growing in popularity over the years, with more teams and sponsors joining the league. Cleveland's WNBA team was granted an expansion team in June 2025, and since then, the city has shown significant enthusiasm for the new franchise. The team's owner, Dan Gilbert's Rock Entertainment Group, has been working closely with the community to gather feedback and build a strong foundation for the team.

The WNBA's expansion into Cleveland comes with a rich history of women's basketball in the city. The original Cleveland Rockers, one of the league's founding franchises, folded in 2003. However, the recent interest in women's sports and the city's strong sports culture have created an ideal environment for a new WNBA team to thrive.

Key Details

Progressive Insurance, which has its corporate headquarters in suburban Mayfield Heights, Ohio, will be the jersey patch sponsor for the Cleveland WNBA team. This partnership is unique, as Progressive will be the first sponsor to occupy both spots on a jersey – the upper left corner and the larger spot under the numbers on the front. The team's president of business operations, Allison Howard, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating, "We have a smaller partnership with Chicago that we announced a couple months ago, but this one was special to us."

Mari Pumarejo, Progressive's chief marketing officer, echoed Howard's sentiments, highlighting the company's commitment to supporting women's sports and the community. "Once we heard that the WNBA was going to bring a team to Cleveland, it was a good fit for us and we kept our ears open for an opportunity to learn more about it. And once we met Allison and the team, we just knew that our values matched and that we could have the kind of partnership where we could help support women's sports, the community and city."

The announcement of the jersey sponsor is just the beginning of many developments to come. The team name is expected to be announced in the next couple of months, and the owner's Rock Entertainment Group has announced a special event for August 4 at Rocket Arena.

What Experts Say

Industry experts see this partnership as a significant win for the WNBA and the city of Cleveland. "This deal is a testament to the growing interest in women's sports and the city's commitment to supporting its new WNBA team," said a local sports analyst. "Progressive Insurance's involvement will undoubtedly bring a level of professionalism and expertise to the team, which will benefit the players, coaches, and fans alike."

Key Takeaways

• Progressive Insurance has secured a jersey sponsorship deal with the Cleveland WNBA team, marking a significant milestone in the franchise's development.
• The partnership is unique, as Progressive will be the first sponsor to occupy both spots on a jersey.
• The team's owner, Dan Gilbert's Rock Entertainment Group, has been working closely with the community to gather feedback and build a strong foundation for the team.
• The WNBA's expansion into Cleveland comes with a rich history of women's basketball in the city, and the recent interest in women's sports has created an ideal environment for a new WNBA team to thrive.

What This Means For You

The impact of this partnership will be felt throughout the city, with increased exposure and support for women's sports. Fans can expect a more professional and polished product, with better resources and infrastructure for the team. For local businesses, this partnership presents opportunities for collaboration and growth, as the WNBA team becomes a major player in the city's sports scene.

As the team prepares for its inaugural season, fans are encouraged to get involved and show their support. With a jersey sponsorship deal in place and a strong foundation being built, the future looks bright for Cleveland's WNBA team.