The WNBA is expanding to Toronto, as reported by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. The Kilmer Group has been awarded a franchise, with plans for the team to start playing in May 2026. The deal has not been confirmed by the league, but Larry Tanenbaum, chairman and CEO of Kilmer Group, is involved in the ownership. This marks the first WNBA team outside of the U.S., as the league enters its 28th season next week.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed a goal to expand to 16 teams by the 2028 season, with Toronto being one of the cities mentioned for potential expansion. Other cities on the list include Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, and Nashville, as well as South Florida. The addition of a team in Toronto would bring the total number of WNBA teams to 14, with an expansion franchise in Golden State set to join the league in 2025.
The new Toronto team is expected to play at the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, which currently hosts the AHL’s Marlies and PWHL’s Toronto franchise. Canada has shown enthusiasm for women’s basketball, with two sold-out WNBA pre-season games in the past two years. Toronto and Edmonton both hosted games with full attendance, showcasing the growing interest in the sport. The league’s announcement of charter flights starting this season will also aid in expanding to Canada.
The move to bring a WNBA team to Toronto marks a significant moment for the league’s growth and international expansion. With the support of ownership groups like the Kilmer Group and Larry Tanenbaum, the Toronto team is poised to make an impact in the basketball community. The addition of the Toronto team aligns with the WNBA’s long-term vision of increasing the number of teams and expanding its reach to new markets. Fans in Toronto and across Canada can look forward to the exciting arrival of professional women’s basketball in their city.
