The WNBA is returning to Canada, announcing Thursday that it will host a preseason game in the country for the second straight season.
The Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm will face off on May 5 in Edmonton, Alberta at Rogers Place. It comes ahead of the league’s 28th season – and as interest in expansion to the country heats up.
Last year, the WNBA hosted a preseason game in Toronto.
“Bringing the game to Canada, I think, will have an enormous impact,” Engelbert said in a video call with reporters. “I think it did last year, based on what we’ve heard and what our NBA Canada team continues to hear. And that’s why we’re coming again because we want to impact this game globally, not just here in the U.S.”
Edmonton was the choice due to its “incredible history” in supporting pro sports and “rich ties” to women’s basketball, as well as the success of the 2022 NBA Canada Series game at the arena between the Toronto Raptors and Utah Jazz.
“We’ll continue to look at other cities as well but certainly was impressed with what everything Edmonton has to offer,” Engelbert said.
The announcement comes in the same week as reports of a possible bid for the league to…
