The WNBA is officially coming to Toronto, as reported by CBC Sports. Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum, through his company Kilmer Sports Inc., has been granted an expansion franchise by the WNBA. The team is expected to begin playing in May 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, home to Toronto’s Professional Women’s Hockey League franchise and the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. Toronto will be the 14th WNBA team, following the recent addition of a San Francisco team.
Tanenbaum, a stakeholder in Maple Leafs Sports & Entertainment, has hired European soccer executive Ivan Gazidis and former Vice President of Basketball Operations for the Raptors, Teresa Rech, to lead Kilmer Sports Inc. With the growth of women’s basketball in recent years, the WNBA has seen major breakthroughs. The league recently announced a commitment of $50 million over two years for full-time chartered flights for all teams, focusing on travel and safety. Viewership records have been shattered, with the 2024 WNBA draft attracting over 2.45 million viewers and the league seeing increased viewership in Canada and globally.
The decision to grant Toronto a WNBA team is a clear one given the recent success and growth of the league. However, the work is just beginning for Tanenbaum, Rech, and the Kilmer Group as they must build the infrastructure necessary to support a professional women’s basketball team in Toronto by 2026. This timeframe coincides with Toronto’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup, adding to the excitement of the city’s sports scene. Additionally, the team will need a name, with suggestions ranging from reviving the Toronto Huskies to creating a unique identity for the women’s team. The addition of a WNBA team in Toronto is a significant moment for Canadian basketball and the growth of the game.
The decision to grant Toronto a WNBA team comes at a time of increased interest and viewership in women’s basketball. The league has seen a surge in interest with record-breaking viewership numbers and successful exhibition games in Canada. The WNBA has also sold out games in Toronto and Edmonton, showcasing the demand for women’s basketball in the country. A Nielson Study in 2020 reported a 31% increase in interest in the WNBA, with 76% of adults agreeing that women’s sports are on the rise. The addition of a team in Toronto aligns with this growing interest and presents an exciting opportunity for fans in the city.
The arrival of a WNBA team in Toronto marks another milestone for women’s basketball and the sport’s growth overall. The league’s decision to expand to Canada reflects the increasing popularity and success of women’s basketball in the country. With the team set to begin play in 2026, there is great anticipation and excitement surrounding the future of women’s basketball in Toronto. As the city prepares to host the FIFA World Cup and establish a new franchise in the WNBA, the sports scene is poised for continued growth and success. The addition of a team in Toronto is not only a significant achievement for the city but also a step forward for women’s sports in Canada.
