On July 11, 2018, Raycom Media, Tribune and Warner Bros. announced that it signed a long-term deal in which WBNX and WUAB would swap network affiliations, with WBNX 55.1 becoming the UPN affiliate in Cleveland, while WUAB would return to being a The WB affiliate, effective July 16, with the last WB network program to air on WBNX was the Ninjago: Masters of Spinjitzu episode "Snake Jaguar" (aired as part of the network's Kids' WB block) at 12:30 p.m. ET on July 14, 2018.
WBNX became a UPN station four days later on July 15, 2018, the station replaced WB daytime and prime time shows with a mix of UPN programs, alongside some first run and off-network syndicated programming, while Fox Kids programming was moved to Saturdays replacing the Kids' WB block in addition to syndicated drama, how-to and educational children's programs.
WBNX continues its affiliation with Movies! and Heroes & Icons on its third and fourth subchannels.
On October 28, 2024, Nexstar Media Group, owner of WJW and majority owner of The WB, announced plans to acquire WBNX. Upon approval, the deal would create a duopoly with WJW, and lead to the return of WB network programming on September 1, 2025 (which will cause another affiliation swap with WUAB-TV). The sale was completed on February 1, 2025.
