The WNBA is set to expand into Toronto in 2026, becoming the league’s first non-U.S. team. This move is part of the WNBA’s goal of having 16 teams by 2028, as the league continues to see a rise in demand and interest, especially with the emergence of young stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. The team will be owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, a company owned by Larry Tanenbaum, who also owns the NBA’s Toronto Raptors and the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs. Tanenbaum is paying $115 million for the new team, which will play its games at the Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed confidence in the new team’s success and its ability to inspire the Toronto community and beyond.
Larry Tanenbaum, with a net worth of around $2.5 billion, is a prominent figure in Toronto sports ownership. The previous team valuations for the Raptors and Leafs further emphasize the financial strength behind this expansion into the WNBA. Tanenbaum’s influence in the sports industry, as well as his commitment to elevating women’s sports, sets a positive tone for the league’s future in Toronto. The WNBA is also gearing up for the addition of its 13th team, the Golden State Valkyries, in the Bay Area next year, with plans in place to reach 16 teams by 2028.
The expansion to Toronto faced some opposition, with the New York Knicks reportedly voting against it due to ongoing legal issues with Tanenbaum’s Raptors. However, the decision to bring a WNBA team to Toronto was ultimately approved by both the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors. The rise in popularity of women’s college basketball has played a significant role in the increased interest in the WNBA, leading to a surge in ticket sales and viewership. The league’s recent season opener, featuring college star Caitlin Clark with the Indiana Fever, attracted 2.1 million viewers across various platforms, marking the most-watched WNBA game since 2001.
With the WNBA experiencing a boost in viewership and fan engagement, the league is making adjustments to accommodate the growing demand. Changes such as allowing more teams to charter planes for travel and playing games in larger stadiums demonstrate the league’s efforts to capitalize on its current momentum. The Toronto expansion adds another layer to the WNBA’s evolving landscape, offering new opportunities for growth and connection with international fans. The team is expected to involve the community in choosing its name, emphasizing the importance of engaging with and representing the local Toronto culture.
