The WNBA’s inaugural franchise outside of the United States will now be based in Toronto. Today, the Women’s National Basketball Association announced its expansion to Canada, awarding Toronto an expansion franchise that will commence play in 2026. The identity of the team has not yet been disclosed.
TThe WNBA board voted 13-0 and the NBA board voted 29-1, resulting in virtually unanimous approval for Toronto. Kilmer Sports Ventures, which is led by Larry Tanenbaum, will acquire and manage the franchise for $115 million. aple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, and the MLS’s Toronto FC, is also chaired by Tanenbaum.
Speaking Tanenbaum stated at the news conference today that women’s athletics have arrived. Tanenbaum declared, “Today proves to be a pivotal day for not only women’s basketball but also for athletics in Canada.” hrilled to unite the nation and incite pride and passion in supporters from coast to coast with this franchise, which will serve as Canada’s team.”
Toronto iThe Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto is set to host Toronto’s home games, with a capacity of 8,700 seats. According to Tanenbaum, the ensemble will also perform in Montreal and Vancouver. d also schedule additional contests at the Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto will The Golden State Valkyries are scheduled to commence play next season, and Toronto will become the 14th franchise in the WNBA. of a WNBA team to Toronto is a significant milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and internationally,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
With support Several cities expressed interest in establishing a team following the most recent draft class, as support for women’s basketball was on the rise. The league has experienced unprecedented levels of viewership and attendance as a result of the league’s selection of Caitlin Clark as the No. 1 overall decision, surpassing both LSU’s Angel Reese and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso. Engelbert, the league is anticipated to expand to 16 teams by 2028.
The new team’s president is expected to be Teresa Resch, a former Toronto Raptors executive who has served as the vice president of basketball operations and player development.
“It’s official”It is now official: Canada will be home to a WNBA franchise!” Our exceptional athletes will benefit from this groundbreaking partnership nationwide and on the grandest platform “Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated. anticipating the success of our Canadian women on the court.”
