According to media reports, the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is poised to expand to Toronto, Canada, bringing professional women's basketball across the border for the first time. The Kilmer Group, led by Larry Tanenbaum, has reportedly been awarded a franchise, with the team set to debut in May 2026.
The WNBA is on the cusp of making history, as Toronto, Canada, is poised to become the first international city to host a team in the league. According to media reports, the Kilmer Group, headed by Larry Tanenbaum, has been granted a franchise, setting the stage for a new era of women's basketball in Canada.
The addition of Toronto to the WNBA would mark a significant milestone for the league, which has been seeking to expand its reach and grow its fanbase. After 27 seasons played solely within the United States, the WNBA's expansion into Canada reflects the growing global popularity of women's sports and the demand for professional basketball outside of traditional markets.
The Kilmer Group, a diversified investment management firm, has a strong track record in sports ownership. The group's chairman and CEO, Larry Tanenbaum, is also the chairman of the board for Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the NBA's Toronto Raptors and NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs.
Tanenbaum's involvement in the WNBA franchise underscores the Kilmer Group's commitment to investing in women's sports and supporting the growth of the league. The group's investment is expected to provide the Toronto team with a solid financial foundation and access to world-class facilities.
Toronto is a vibrant and cosmopolitan city with a strong tradition of supporting professional sports. The addition of a WNBA team would complement the city's existing sports landscape and provide fans with another opportunity to cheer for their local heroes.
Canada has shown a growing appetite for women's basketball, with two sold-out WNBA preseason games being held in Toronto and Edmonton in recent years. The passionate Canadian fanbase is expected to embrace the new WNBA team and create a thriving home-court advantage.
The potential expansion of the WNBA to Toronto aligns with the league's long-term growth strategy. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed a desire to expand to 16 teams by the 2028 season, and Toronto is seen as a key target market.
Other cities mentioned as potential expansion candidates include Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and the South Florida region. The WNBA is actively engaging with interested ownership groups in these markets, and expansion decisions will ultimately be made through a vote by the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors.
The Toronto WNBA team is expected to play its home games at the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, which currently hosts the AHL's Toronto Marlies and the PWHL's Toronto franchise. The intimate venue would provide a cozy and energetic atmosphere for WNBA games.
The addition of charter flights to the WNBA's operations this season will also facilitate the league's expansion to Canada, reducing the travel time and expenses associated with cross-border travel.
The expansion of the WNBA to Toronto is a testament to the league's commitment to growing women's basketball beyond traditional boundaries. The addition of an international team will not only provide new opportunities for players and fans but also showcase the global appeal of the WNBA.
As the league continues to expand, it is expected to inspire young girls and women around the world to pursue their dreams of playing professional basketball, ensuring the future growth and success of women's sports.
