Cleveland’s Expansion Era Begins With a Big Hire

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What to Know About Women’s Basketball Today

1. Cleveland Hires Allison Howard as Team President 💼

Cleveland’s WNBA expansion team may not hit the court until 2028, but their ownership group is already making big moves. The franchise announced Allison Howard as its first team president. (WNBA Cleveland)

WHY IT MATTERS: Cleveland is locking in front office talent early. Howard is currently the Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer for the NBA’s Cavaliers—the same ownership group behind the expansion team. Prior to the NBA, she served as the first president of the NWSL’s Kansas City Current, where she helped the club sell out season tickets. Howard knows sports and how to lead new franchises, providing a strong head start in “the Land.”

2. Injury Bug Keeps Biting The WNBA 🪲

The WNBA can’t catch a break on injuries this season. Three players were sidelined over the past few days: Indiana’s Sophie Cunningham (season-ending knee injury), Dallas’ Li Yueru (ACL sprain, season-ending), and Golden State’s Iliana Rupert (concussion).

WHY IT MATTERS: Dallas isn’t in the playoff hunt, but Li’s absence leaves the Wings thin at center. For Indiana and Golden State, both battling in the playoff bubble, these losses sting. Cunningham is averaging 8.6 points per game and has been a steady contributor for the Fever. Rupert, a late-season addition for the Valkyries, brings size and versatility as a rim protector and three-point shooter.

In response, Indiana signed veteran guard Shey Peddy to a seven-day hardship contract. Golden State will monitor Rupert under concussion protocol.

3. Sun’s Playoff Streak Snapped 😬

Speaking of playoffs, things are starting to get real. With last Sunday’s overtime loss to Indiana, the Connecticut Sun are officially eliminated from playoff contention. (Greenwich Time)

WHY IT MATTERS: How the mighty have fallen. The Sun had reached the playoffs in eight straight seasons (2017-2024), making two Finals appearances along the way. During that span, they were one of the league’s most consistent winners, with a combined 181-91 regular season record. With three weeks left in this season, it’s now or never for every bubble team.