WNBA to Return to Canada with Pre-Season Showdown as Toronto Eyes Expansion

Author:

Patricia Bell

|Published: March 8th, 2024

Canada is set to display its basketball prowess in pursuit of a Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) franchise, securing the 2024 WNBA Canada Game for the second consecutive year.

Edmonton, Alberta, will host the game on May 5 at Rogers Place, featuring the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm.

After the success of last year's Canada Game in Toronto, where 19,000 fans sold out the arena, the city actively vies for the 14th WNBA franchise, led by Kilmer Sports Ventures.

The first Canada Game in Toronto showcased the growing momentum of women's basketball in Canada, with a 32% increase in WNBA viewership in 2023.

Toronto's pursuit of the franchise involves start-up investment fund Kilmer Sports Ventures, part of Larry Tanenbaum's Kilmer Group, which recently appointed Ivan Gazidis as its president.

While Tanenbaum chairs Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, MLSE is not part of the WNBA bid.

Philadelphia, Nashville, and Portland compete for the 14th franchise. Toronto competes with these cities, each having an NBA franchise.

The Canada Game will feature WNBA stars Nneka Ogwumike and Canadian standout Kia Nurse.

Tangerine, a subsidiary of Scotiabank, continues as the presenting sponsor, and general ticket sales start on March 20.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expresses anticipation, citing record-setting viewership, merchandise sales, and attendance in the past season.

"The first Canada Game showcased the incredible momentum around women's basketball across Canada," She said. "We're looking forward to the opportunity to once again showcase our league in a city with a rich sporting legacy."

Following the recent expansion to the Golden State Warriors, the league aims to add another team in 2025, ensuring an even number of franchises.