The WNBA has officially announced the addition of an expansion Toronto franchise, marking the league’s first venture outside the United States. The new team will begin playing in the 2026 season, as initially reported by CBC earlier this month. This development makes Toronto the WNBA’s 14th team.
The Toronto franchise will be owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum. While Tanenbaum also chairs Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), which owns major teams like the NBA’s Raptors and the NHL’s Maple Leafs—MLSE is not involved in this WNBA venture. MLSE had declined a previous opportunity to acquire an expansion team due to the $50 million fee, leading Tanenbaum to spearhead the project independently.
“Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and internationally,” stated WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “With Larry Tanenbaum’s history of leading successful sports franchises and Toronto’s dynamic and diverse community, we are confident this new team will thrive and inspire basketball fans across Canada.”
Tanenbaum echoed these sentiments, highlighting the national significance of the new franchise. “This is a game-changing day for women’s basketball and sports in Canada,” he said. “This team will be Canada’s team, uniting fans from coast to coast with pride and passion.”
The Toronto team’s primary venue will be the Coca-Cola Coliseum in downtown Toronto, which holds just under 9,000 fans for basketball games. Some games may also be played at the larger Scotiabank Arena, with a capacity of over 20,000. Tanenbaum’s group plans to upgrade the Coliseum and build a new practice facility to support the team.
In addition to their home games in Toronto, the team will play select games in other Canadian cities, including Vancouver and Montreal. This strategy aims to foster a nationwide fan base and unite basketball enthusiasts across Canada.
The WNBA has seen significant interest in women’s basketball in Canada, demonstrated by sell-out crowds at the “Canada Game” during the past two preseasons—one in Toronto in 2023 and another in Edmonton earlier this month.
The Toronto franchise will debut alongside the Golden State Valkyries, another new addition to the league. The Valkyries, announced last year, will start playing next season. This expansion marks the first time the WNBA will have more than 12 teams since 2009.
Looking ahead, Commissioner Engelbert has expressed confidence in further expansion, aiming for 16 teams by 2028. “We’re in discussions with multiple cities. It’s a complex process that requires arenas, practice facilities, player housing, and long-term committed ownership,” Engelbert explained. “The encouraging part is that we’re receiving a lot of interest.”
With these new developments, the WNBA continues to grow, bringing professional women’s basketball to new audiences and expanding its international reach.
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