Toronto will now be the new home of a WNBA team, the first franchise outside the United States. Today, the Women’s National Basketball Association announced it gets bigger in Canada, awarding Toronto an expansion team that is expected to begin play in 2026. The name of the team has not yet been announced.
Toronto nearly received unanimous approval with the WNBA Board of Directors voting 13-0 and the NBA Board of Directors voting 29-1. The team will be owned and operated by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, who paid $115 million for the team. Tanenbaum is also president of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and MLS’s Toronto FC.
Speaking at today’s press conference, Tanenbaum said women’s sports have arrived. “Today is a game-changing day, not only for women’s basketball, but for the sport in Canada,” Tanenbaum said. “This franchise will be Canada’s team and we are excited to unite the country and inspire pride and passion in fans from coast to coast.”
Toronto is scheduled to play its home games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, which seats 8,700. Tanenbaum said the team would also play in Vancouver and Montreal. They could also play additional games at Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto will be the WNBA’s 14th franchise, with the Golden State Valkyries expected to begin play next season. “Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important step for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and outside the United States,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
With the growing support for women’s basketball, several cities have expressed interest in starting a team after the latest selection. With league selection Caitlin Clark as No. 1 overall pick among LSU Angel Reese and South Carolina’s Kamilla Cardoso, there were record viewership and attendance numbers across the league. Engelbert said the league is expected to reach 16 teams by 2028.
Teresa Resch, a former Toronto Raptors executive who previously worked as vice president of basketball operations and player development, is expected to be named president of the new team.
“It’s official: Canada has a WNBA team! This historic agreement will provide opportunities for our remarkable athletes across the country and on the biggest stage,” Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. “I can’t wait to see our Canadians win on the field.”
Grub5
