WNBA Expands to Canada with Toronto Selected as the League’s 14th Team – WNBA

– Kilmer Sports Ventures Chairman Larry Tanenbaum

to Launch Team, Which Will Begin Play in 2026 Season – 

TORONTO, May 23, 2024 – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced today that it has expanded to Canada by awarding Toronto an expansion team, the league’s first outside the United States.  The new team will begin play in the 2026 season as the WNBA’s 14^th franchise.

The team will be owned and operated by Kilmer Sports Ventures.  Larry Tanenbaum, Chairman of Kilmer Sports Ventures and a 30-year veteran of building championship-caliber teams, is also Chairman of the NBA Board of Governors and Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, MLS’ Toronto FC and other professional sports franchises.  Under his leadership, the Raptors won their first NBA championship in 2019.

“Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and outside the United States,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.  “With Larry Tanenbaum’s distinguished record of leading successful sports franchises and Toronto’s appeal as a dynamic, diverse city that cares deeply about the game of basketball, we are confident that this new team will thrive as a first-class WNBA organization and become a great source of inspiration and support for the Toronto-area community and across Canada.”

“Today is a game-changing day not only for women’s basketball but also for sports in Canada,” said Tanenbaum.  “This franchise will be Canada’s team, and we are so excited to unite the country and inspire pride and passion in fans from coast to coast.”

The team will play its home games at historic Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto.  It is expected that additional games may be played at Scotiabank Arena and across Canada.  The team has also committed to building a new, state-of-the-art practice facility that will be dedicated to the team and community initiatives.

Fans who wish to buy season-tickets can do so by placing a deposit at https://www.wnba.com/toronto

Additional Quotes: 

“It’s official: Canada is getting a WNBA team!  This landmark deal will give opportunities to our remarkable athletes across the country, and on the biggest stage.  I can’t wait to see our Canadian women win on the court.” – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

“On behalf of the province of Ontario, I’m thrilled to welcome the first WNBA team in Canadian history to Toronto.  The WNBA will be a fantastic addition to Ontario’s dynamic sports landscape, helping to increase tourism and inspire more women and girls to get involved in basketball.  I can’t wait to cheer on Ontario’s newest home team!” – Ontario Premier Doug Ford

“Torontonians are excited to welcome our very own WNBA team.  This would not have been possible without the hard work of Canadian athletes who have created renewed enthusiasm and excitement for professional women’s sports.  I cannot wait to cheer for our team and watch them bring home a WNBA championship.” – Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow

# # #