Toronto has been awarded a WNBA franchise that will begin play in 2026, making it the league’s first team outside of the United States. The team will be owned by Kilmer Sports Inc., led by Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum, who is also a minority owner and chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment.
Welcome to the WNBA Toronto‼️
A new expansion team will come to the city in 2026. pic.twitter.com/LWPMlr4EZb
— ESPN (@espn) May 10, 2024
The Toronto club will join the WNBA as its 14th team, with a Golden State expansion franchise set to join in 2025. An official announcement is expected on May 23 in Toronto. The WNBA commissioner, Cathy Engelbert, stated earlier in April that Toronto was being considered for expansion, with the goal of reaching 16 teams by 2028. Other cities mentioned for possible expansion include Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and the South Florida region.
The Toronto team will play at the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, which is currently home to the AHL’s Marlies and PWHL’s Toronto franchise. Canada has shown its enthusiasm for women’s pro basketball, with sold-out preseason games in Toronto and Edmonton. The WNBA’s decision to expand to Toronto marks its first international expansion.
Fans’ reactions include
Reported by @_shireenahmed_ who is so awesome!!!
— Meghan Chayka (@MeghanChayka) May 10, 2024
Does Boston have a WNBA team so Toronto can keep the tradition of getting eliminated in game 7s by Boston?
— Naughty Waffle (@HowieF1FTY) May 10, 2024
*According to an exclusive (one, not multiple) report by @_shireenahmed_
— Subria Whitaker (@SubriaWhitaker) May 10, 2024
Love to see the league expand. Enjoy the team Toronto🙏
— Demonicc (@Im_Demonicc) May 10, 2024
Great, another team to complain about the wage gap
— Tanner (@TanSutherland) May 10, 2024
Caitlin Clark working all kinds of miracles… pic.twitter.com/4dahSSFlDK
— Redwolves4thQTCOMEBACK?? (@Lennyfrigginleo) May 10, 2024
It’s about time…. It should’ve happened along time ago
— Zamariel (@Zamariel444) May 10, 2024
Going to be a blast 🔥
— The Current Monitor (@current_monitor) May 10, 2024
This is good news. Drake should warm up
— hotdog (@HOTDOGLAMBA) May 10, 2024
The Caitlin Clark Effect
— Ghostface (@TheRealGFKiller) May 10, 2024
WNBA players don't make that much (yet). Now this Canadian team is going to make even less with those Canadian taxes. pic.twitter.com/rJSBIP06R6
— Nerdspin (@nerdspin_) May 10, 2024
That's fantastic news! Toronto getting a WNBA team will surely be an exciting addition to the league. It's great to see the WNBA expanding and reaching new cities. Fans in Toronto must be thrilled!
— Rahmat Shah (@RahmatShah01) May 10, 2024
Along with Toronto, discussions are reportedly ongoing for a new team in Portland, which would bring the total number of teams to 15. The decision to grant expansion teams requires a vote from the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors. The league is aiming to boost its popularity and has recently introduced full-time charter flights for its teams. The WNBA expansion to Toronto signifies a growing interest in women’s basketball.
