Toronto has been awarded the WNBA’s first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026. This team will be owned by Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures, who is also the chairman and minority owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns several Toronto sports franchises. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her excitement about the opportunity to reach new audiences and partners internationally and introduce professional women’s basketball to young girls and boys in Canada.
The addition of Toronto as the WNBA’s 14th franchise is seen as a crucial step in expanding women’s professional sports in the region. Tanenbaum believes that the world is beginning to recognize the immense talent, passion, and competitiveness in women’s sports and saw an opportunity to bring Canada’s first WNBA team to Toronto. The team will play at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place, with the potential to occasionally move to the Scotiabank Arena. Kilmer Sports Ventures will invest in the franchise, confirming that women’s sports is not just a passing trend but a significant movement with strong business potential.
The team is planning to play some games in Vancouver and Montreal as well, reflecting the growing interest and support for women’s sports across Canada. The name of the team is yet to be finalized, with Tanenbaum indicating that public input will be sought in the decision-making process. Kilmer Sports Ventures has committed to building a practice facility for the team, with temporary training to take place at the University of Toronto’s Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport. WNBA’s exhibition games in Canada have helped showcase the fans’ passion for women’s basketball, with Canadian players like Kia Nurse becoming household names.
Engelbert expressed optimism about the future growth of the WNBA, aiming to expand to 16 teams by 2028. Interest from various cities in hosting WNBA franchises has increased after the recent draft, indicating a strong potential for further expansion in the league. The addition of Toronto as the first international franchise sets a precedent for future global expansion efforts by the WNBA. The team’s ownership by Kilmer Sports Ventures and the backing from Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment demonstrate a commitment to investing in women’s sports and promoting its growth on a larger scale.
The establishment of a WNBA team in Toronto represents a significant milestone in advancing women’s professional sports and providing more opportunities for female athletes to showcase their skills and compete at the highest level. The enthusiasm shown by fans in Canada during WNBA exhibition games indicates a strong base of support for women’s basketball in the country. With plans to play games in multiple Canadian cities and engage with local communities, the new Toronto team aims to further elevate the profile of women’s sports and inspire the next generation of female athletes. Overall, the addition of Toronto as a WNBA franchise marks a positive step forward in promoting gender equality and diversity in professional sports.
