Edmonton fans are excited for the upcoming historic pre-season game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm in Canada, with hopes of inspiring a new generation of fans. Over 70 young basketball fans participated in an all-women-led basketball skills clinic before the game, expressing their desire for more opportunities for basketball in Alberta. Canadian player Kia Nurse, who plays guard for the Los Angeles Sparks, shared words of encouragement with her young fans, emphasizing the importance of working hard and having fun in the gym.
Participants also had the opportunity to learn from WNBA legend Tammy Sutton-Brown, who expressed her joy in seeing young players taking advantage of such opportunities to get closer to the game. The inaugural WNBA Canada Game last season in Toronto, where the Chicago Sky beat the Minnesota Lynx in front of a sold-out crowd, set records for broadcast viewership, attendance, and merchandise sales in Canada. Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd expressed the importance of building the fan base in Canada through events like these, as it allows for the connection with fans across different backgrounds and locations.
There is consideration for expanding the WNBA into Toronto, with WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert mentioning that Golden State would be the only expansion team for 2025. However, the league is hopeful for more franchises to be added for the 2026 season. This upcoming game in Edmonton will be the fourth WNBA pre-season game outside of the U.S., following previous games in Manchester, England, in 2011, and Monterrey, Mexico, in 2004. The potential expansion of the WNBA into Toronto and other cities shows the growing interest and support for women’s professional sports in Canada, offering new opportunities for fans to connect with the league and its stars.
The event in Edmonton aims to showcase the league and promote women’s basketball in Canada, with the hope of attracting more fans and increasing interest in the sport. Young basketball fans at the skills clinic expressed their excitement for the opportunity to interact with players and learn from WNBA legends, highlighting the impact of such events on inspiring the next generation of athletes. With the success of previous WNBA pre-season games outside of the U.S., there is a growing interest in expanding the league’s reach internationally, with Canada being a potential market for future games and potential franchise expansion.
The presence of Canadian player Kia Nurse and WNBA legend Tammy Sutton-Brown at the event in Edmonton adds to the excitement surrounding the upcoming game between the Los Angeles Sparks and the Seattle Storm. Fans in Edmonton and across Canada are eager to see the league’s stars in action and witness the growth of women’s basketball in the country. The potential expansion of the WNBA into Toronto and other cities further solidifies the league’s commitment to increasing its global presence and building a diverse fan base that spans across different regions and backgrounds. As the game approaches, anticipation is high among fans and players alike, as they look forward to a memorable and inspirational event that celebrates the talent and diversity in women’s basketball.
