The WNBA is officially expanding outside the United States.
Toronto, the most populous city in Canada, will be home to the league’s 14th franchise, the WNBA announced Thursday at a news conference. The franchise will begin play in 2026. It’s a historic moment for the country as women’s sports soar in popularity, and a milestone for the WNBA, which is also expanding to the Bay Area next season.
Led by Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Venture, the unnamed franchise will use the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum as its home arena. Tanenbaum said the team will also play games in Vancouver and Montreal. The franchise is committed to building a practice facility, he told the Associated Press, but will train at the University of Toronto’s Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport until it is ready.
“Many say women’s sports is having a moment,” Tanenbaum said. “I disagree. Women’s sports has arrived.”
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Ontario Premier Doug Ford, Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow, Toronto Raptors President Masai Ujiri, Raptors forward Scottie Barnes and Philadelphia 76ers guard Kyle Lowry — a longtime Raptor — were among those in attendance for the announcement.
“We’re all taking another step forward toward equality in sport, and I for one…
