WNBA Expands into Canada with Toronto Franchise in 2026

In a groundbreaking move, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to expand into Canada for the first time in 2026, with Toronto joining as the league's 14th team.

The expansion fee, totalling around $50 million, will be paid over five to 10 years.

The Toronto ownership group, led by Kilmer Sports Ventures (KSV), a division of Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Group, secured the franchise.

Ivan Gazidis, the former CEO of European football clubs Arsenal FC and AC Milan, has been appointed president, signalling a solid commitment to the new venture.

Toronto's bid faced stiff competition from other cities like Philadelphia, Nashville, Denver, South Florida, and Portland.

Despite initial frontrunners, Toronto emerged victorious, with the league aiming to have 16 teams by the 2028 season.

The WNBA's expansion into Canada comes amid a significant rise in viewership in the country, up 32% from the previous season.

With games available on WNBA League Pass and national broadcasters like TSN, Sportsnet, and NBA TV Canada, there's a growing demand for the league.

Media rights negotiations, set to coincide with the WNBA's domestic rights expiration in 2025, are expected to see increased value with the addition of a Canadian team.

This aligns with the league's plans to negotiate its new domestic deal with the NBA, leveraging its growing popularity.

Excitement for the WNBA in Canada was evident during the league's recent preseason game in Edmonton, drawing a sellout crowd of 16,655.

Marketing partnerships, including sponsorship from Canadian bank Tangerine, highlight the growing support for women's basketball in the country.

As the WNBA kicks off its 28th season, anticipation is high, especially with the arrival of star player Caitlin Clark.

Clark's presence has already led to increased attention and record viewership, signalling a promising future for the league.

The WNBA continues to thrive in the US, recording its best viewership in 21 years last season, reflecting growing interest and engagement across the board.