- Allison Howard named first president of Cleveland WNBA franchise
- She will be in charge of business operations as the franchise builds up towards its inaugural season in 2028 at Rocket Arena
- Her duties range from ticket sales, sponsorships, fan experience, youth sports programming, and commercial strategy overall
Rock Entertainment Group (REG) and Cleveland WNBA announced Allison Howard to be the expansion team's first president. She will head all business initiatives for the franchise, which debuts in 2028 at Rocket Arena.
Allison will remain in her current position as Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers through the 2025-26 NBA season, while establishing and activating Cleveland WNBA's operations.
In her current role, she oversees corporate and ticket sales strategy, partnerships, membership services, fan experience, venue operations, and youth sports initiatives.
"With a distinguished record of leadership in elite sports organizations and a passion for progressing women's sports, Allison is the ideal leader for this time," stated Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and Rocket Arena.
"Her leadership, coupled with Dan Gilbert's vision, will create a women's professional team closely rooted in Cleveland and the state, while catalyzing the growth of women's basketball".
As president, Allison will oversee all aspects of business operations, including organizational culture, employee growth, community engagement, fan experience, and commercial development.
Allison expressed her excitement about the role, saying:
It's exciting to share the enthusiasm of Cleveland WNBA fans throughout Ohio. We believe that this team should be something for which the community can be proud, something that can motivate future generations of athletes and create an inviting culture where everyone can feel at home. Together begins now.
Allison brings significant leadership experience in women's sports. She was the first president of the Kansas City Current (NWSL), where she oversaw the 2022 expansion of the team, grew revenue, improved organizational culture, and negotiated record deals — including naming rights to the first soccer-specific stadium constructed for a professional women's team.
The team saw a 300 percent boost in corporate partnerships and sold out all season tickets and premium hospitality under her leadership.
She will be aided by two important additions to the Cleveland WNBA leadership:
Kiersten Green, as Vice President of Ticket Sales and Service, who just presided over the Cavaliers' group sales to a franchise-record year in 2024–25.
Tamzin Barroilhet, as Senior Vice President of Corporate Partnerships and Commercial Strategy, with more than a decade of international sports business experience, including her work at Under Armour managing international sports partnerships.
The WNBA officially announced on June 30, 2025, that Cleveland will host the league's 16th franchise. The franchise has already received enthusiastic support, with over 6,000 membership deposits secured before its 2028 launch.
