Toronto becomes the first city outside the US to be awarded a WNBA franchise, expansion team to debut in 2026

Toronto Makes History with First WNBA Franchise Outside the U.S.

In a groundbreaking move, Toronto has been awarded the WNBA’s first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to debut in 2026. The team will be owned by Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures, marking a significant milestone for women’s professional sports in Canada.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her excitement about the expansion, stating, “Growing internationally, I’ve been trying to think through next steps on a global platform. It helps us reach new audiences and bring in new partners. The thing I love about going to another country is that the young girls and boys get to see professional basketball for women is important, too.”

The Toronto team will play at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place, with the ability to move to the Scotiabank Arena on occasion. Tanenbaum emphasized the importance of women’s sports, stating, “Women’s sports is good business. Just look around — it’s not a moment, but a movement and it’s just the beginning.”

The team will also play games in Vancouver and Montreal, showcasing the growing interest in women’s basketball across Canada. With the commitment to building a practice facility and the support of passionate fans, the WNBA’s expansion into Toronto is set to make a significant impact on the league’s growth.

With plans to expand to 16 teams by 2028, the WNBA is on track for continued success and increased visibility on a global scale. Toronto’s historic franchise marks a new chapter in women’s sports, highlighting the immense talent and passion in the game.