A WNBA team returning to Cleveland could be happen in the near future.

According to Sports Illustrated, Cleveland is reportedly set to land the WNBA's 16th franchise.

The news was first reported by Tom Friend of the Sports Business Journal.

According to Friend, multiple sources said the bid for a Cleveland team came in at a league record $250 million.

The Cleveland team is expected to take the name of the city's original WNBA franchise, the Cleveland Rockers. The original Rockers team played in seven seasons between 1997 and 2003 before folding.

The league has begun expansion efforts as their popularity surged over the last year. The 2024 WNBA Draft averaged 2.4 million viewers, up 328% compared to the year before, according to ESPN. The league reported the 2024 season was it's most watched in its 24 year history and had the highest attendance total in 22 years.

The WNBA played the 2024 season with 12 teams and will add a 13th team this year, the Golden State Valkyries, when they begin the season on May 16.

Two more teams, the Toronto Tempo and an unnamed Portland team, will begin play in 2026.

The Sports Business Journal reports that the Cleveland Rockers are expected to join the league for the 2028 season.