Toronto Welcomes First-Ever Canadian WNBA Team

The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) has officially announced the expansion of its league to Canada with the introduction of a new team based in Toronto. This historic move marks the WNBA’s first venture into the Canadian market.

The announcement was made in downtown Toronto with representatives from all three levels of government in attendance. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert and Toronto businessman Larry Tanenbaum, who leads Kilmer Sports Ventures, were key figures at the event. Local celebrities such as rap superstar Drake, Toronto Raptors All-Star Scottie Barnes, and former Raptor and 2019 NBA champion Kyle Lowry also attended.

The team will play its home games at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto

Larry Tanenbaum, chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs, expressed his excitement about the new venture. “This team is Canada’s team,” Tanenbaum stated. Reflecting on his experience bringing the NBA to Canada over 30 years ago, he noted the similar opportunity now for the WNBA. “Today we’re here because once again, we were in the right place at the right time. And that’s entirely because of the talent, hard work, and perseverance of the many women in this room today.”

Tanenbaum has invested $50 million into the new team, which is yet to be named. The team will play its home games at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto. This venue is also home to the AHL’s Toronto Marlies and has hosted the Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) Toronto team and its playoffs. Additionally, some games will be played at Scotiabank Arena and in cities across Canada, including Vancouver and Montreal.

The franchise is committed to building a state-of-the-art practice facility. To engage with fans and gather input on naming the team, Tanenbaum emphasized the importance of public involvement in this process.

Basketball fans eager to support the new team can place a $50 deposit for season tickets. Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow declared May 23 as “WNBA Day” in Toronto, highlighting the community’s enthusiasm. She remarked on the unifying power of sports and the potential of the new team to inspire young people with new heroes, role models, and memorable plays.

The WNBA’s last expansion team was awarded to Golden State in October. The Golden State franchise recently named their team the Valkyries, setting a precedent for the upcoming Toronto team’s branding process.

The introduction of a WNBA team in Toronto is a significant step for basketball in Canada, promising to bring new excitement and opportunities for fans and athletes alike. As the city prepares to welcome its new team, the emphasis on community involvement and support underscores the potential for a bright future in Canadian women’s basketball.