Sidley Advises Monarch Collective on Investment in Cleveland WNBA Expansion Team

Sidley is representing Monarch Collective in connection with its minority investment in the Cleveland WNBA expansion team, which is set to begin play in 2028 as part of the league’s continued expansion.

Monarch Collective joins a broader ownership group assembled by Rock Entertainment Group that includes a range of strategic investors and business leaders with local ties. The investment reflects increasing institutional interest in women’s professional sports and positions Monarch Collective to further expand its portfolio across leading teams and leagues.

The Cleveland franchise is one of three recently awarded WNBA expansion teams, alongside teams in Detroit and Philadelphia, underscoring the league’s accelerating growth and rising demand for investment opportunities in women’s sports. Monarch Collective has been an active investor in the sector, with prior investments in professional women’s soccer clubs and related sports platforms.

The Sidley team is being led by Eric H. Geffner and Luisa Lizoain, and also includes Charles H. Baker, Jonathan M. Westreich, Alyssa Levy, Sophie Arkusinski, and Fiona P. Winicki.