It’s pretty clear the new Cleveland franchise, set to tip off in 2028, isn’t wasting any of its extra prep time. Nic Barlage had already promised the hiring spree would start around Labor Day. And here we are, still ten days shy of September 1, and the franchise has opened its book of blank pages. Cleveland’s WNBA team has officially made its very first hire, and not just anyone. They’ve brought in someone who knows exactly how to grab the reins as the inaugural president of a women’s team. Because if you’re writing history, you might as well start with someone who knows how to hold the pen.

On Tuesday morning, Cleveland introduced Allison Howard as its president of business operations. She was the founding president of the Kansas City Current. In that role, she not only guided the NWSL expansion team’s launch in 2022 but also secured the naming rights deal for the league’s first stadium built specifically for women’s soccer. “Allison comes to this role with an extraordinary track record of leadership in premier sports organizations and expanding the reach of women’s sports,” CEO of Rock Group, Nick Barlage, said. “Her experience, coupled with her work ethic, will ignite connection with team members, fans and partners throughout our community.”

As part of the rollout on Tuesday, Howard named two executives to her business operations staff, both of whom come with several years of experience working for the Cavaliers. In her Cleveland WNBA role, she’ll be tasked with overseeing areas such as community involvement, fan experience, organizational culture, and commercial planning. At the same time, Howard will continue to serve as executive vice president and chief commercial officer for Rock Entertainment Group and the Cavaliers through the 2025–26 campaign.

Howard expressed her excitement about joining the WNBA. “It has been energizing to feel the passion of Cleveland WNBA fans across Ohio and to see how quickly our community has already embraced our team,” Howard mentioned. “We’re committed to making this team a source of pride for our city and broader region, to inspire future athletes and to create an environment where everyone belongs and feels welcome.”

Howard brings plenty of proof of success from her tenure with the KC Current. She played a central role in securing the training center’s naming rights through a deal with The University of Kansas Health System, negotiated a long-term front-of-kit sponsorship with United Way of Greater Kansas City, and consistently drove ticket sales to sellout levels, helping the team set repeated attendance records. Under her leadership, the franchise gained traction with influencers and international audiences, steadily raising its profile. Her efforts matched the broader vision of co-owner Patrick Mahomes, who, alongside his wife Brittany, joined the ownership group in 2022 – becoming the first active NFL player with equity in an NWSL club.

When Howard transitioned from President at KC Current to a Senior Advisor to the board, she thanked Mahomes for what was an incredible run. “None of this would have been possible without the vision and passion of Angie Long, Christopher Long, Brittany and Patrick Mahomes and I want to express my deepest gratitude to them for affording me this awesome opportunity,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.

Now, while the WNBA keeps growing with expansion plans laid out over the next five years, the long-standing concerns raised by players remain stubbornly unresolved.

Cathy Engelbert & Co. called out after the recent Indiana Fever mishap

While the Indiana Fever won the recent game against the Connecticut Sun 99-93, it was no easy feat. As two highly physical teams locked horns in the Mohegan Sun arena on Sunday, an accident was waiting to happen. And it finally struck in the early minutes of the second quarter. As Sun’s Bria Hartley went for a driving layup, a lack of landing space led her to make rough contact with Sophie Cunningham.

However, she landed on Cunningham’s right knee and aggravated the trouble for the athlete, who was assisted to the locker room. After exiting mid-game, fans and reporters were concerned surrounding Cunningham’s health. And no sooner, her sister and mother lashed out on social media.

Sophie’s sister, Lindsey Cunningham, took to social media and publicly called out Cathy Engelbert & Co. for poor officiating. “WNBA maybe you should focus less on fining players for commenting on your poor officiating & more about hiring officials that are able to call a consistent game and protect your athletes. Pathetic. Praying for you, Sophie,” Lindsey wrote. Fast forward, and Sophie has now been sidelined for the season after tearing her MCL.

With inconsistent officiating threatening to define the league’s identity, what steps should Cathy and her team take to address the problem as expansion brings even more franchises into the fold?