Cavs' Mitchell: 'Cleveland definitely deserves a WNBA team'

Donovan Mitchell hopes to see the WNBA return to Cleveland in the future.

"I think Cleveland definitely deserves a WNBA team," the Cavaliers star said Friday, according to ClutchPoint's Evan Dammarell. "It's big time for Portland and San Francisco to add one. But Cleveland is a perfect sports city for it. The WNBA is at an all-time high, and I love the competition. Been this way for a while, and I think people are now starting to pay attention finally."

Cleveland was previously home to the Rockers, one of the WNBA's original eight franchises that competed in the league from 1997 to 2003. The Rockers folded after owner Gordon Gund, who also owned the Cavs at the time, was unable to find a new buyer for the team.

The WNBA's current expansion plans include the San Francisco-based Golden State Valkyries, who are set to join the league next season, along with new franchises in Toronto and Portland scheduled to begin play in 2026.

If the WNBA decides to add an expansion team in Cleveland, Mitchell wants to be involved.

"I would love to be part of that (franchise in Cleveland), for sure, if that ever happens," Mitchell said. "It's been great basketball. It's become more national. I feel like us, as players, we've been there from the jump. I think it's great that the world is finally starting to see what we all see."

Mitchell is entering his third season with the Cavs after signing a three-year, $150.3-million max extension in July.