Toronto Welcomes New WNBA Team
The Canadian city of Toronto has been awarded a WNBA expansion franchise that will debut in the 2026 season, marking the league’s first team outside the United States.
Expansion Franchise Details
- The team will play home games at an 8,700-seat arena in downtown Toronto.
- Additional games may also be held at the home of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and at various locations across Canada.
League Expansion
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert stated, “Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and internationally.”
Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau attended the press conference announcing the expansion.
Community Impact
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford expressed excitement about the new team, highlighting its potential to inspire more women and girls to participate in basketball and enhance the sports landscape in the region.
Ownership and Vision
The team will be owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum. Tanenbaum emphasized the significance of the franchise for women’s basketball and sports in Canada, aiming to unite the country and foster pride among fans nationwide.
Canadian Fan Support
Recent preseason games held in Canada have drawn significant crowds, indicating a growing interest in professional women’s basketball in the country.
With the addition of Toronto and Golden State as new members of the league, the WNBA’s presence continues to expand, offering exciting opportunities for fans and players alike.