The WNBA is officially coming to Toronto!
Kilmer Sports Ventures, an arm of Kilmer Group, were announced as the owners of Toronto’s new women’s professional basketball team on Thursday morning at a press conference where Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, Mayor Olivia Chow, Drake, and Toronto Raptor Scottie Barnes were also in attendance.
In attendance for the announcement of Toronto’s WNBA expansion team: Drake, Kyle Lowry, Raptors president Masai Ujiri pic.twitter.com/eocxzMxFxJ
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) May 23, 2024
The women’s’ team, which is yet to be named, will call the Coca Cola Coliseum home, alongside AHL team The Toronto Marlies and Toronto’s Professional Women’s Hockey League team.
It will also play at the Scotiabank Arena from time to time as well as in Vancouver and Montreal.
The team will enter the league in May 2026, making it the 14th WNBA franchise, and will follow the Golden State Valkyries, who are set to join in 2025.
During the press conference, Trudeau commended MLSE CEO and Chairman of The Board Larry Tanenbaum for his contribution to sports in Canada and for facilitating the creation of Toronto’s newly announced WNBA franchise.
“Torontonians consistently demonstrate their passion, their commitment and their love for professional sports,” the Prime Minister said.
“I am proud to be part of a country that uplifts women in sport,” he continued.
Prime Minister @JustinTrudeau speaks at @WNBA announcement. pic.twitter.com/coLi4YwjRF
— Now Toronto (@nowtoronto) May 23, 2024
WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert who brought a widely watched WNBA game to Toronto last year, said awarding Toronto a team marks “significant growth in the league,” which saw its highest viewership ever in 2023.
Commissioner @CathyEngelbert welcomes Toronto to the @WNBA. pic.twitter.com/yDaYkAmRJh
— Now Toronto (@nowtoronto) May 23, 2024
Toronto’s WNBA team will also be the first outside of the United States.
Tanenbaum called the announcement an “incredibly important and historic one,” and emphasized the importance of women having female athletes to look up to.
“The more we all recognize the value and potential of women’s sports the closer we get to a more equitable future in the world of sports,” he continued.
“This is Canada’s team,” he concluded.
It will also build a state-of-the-art practice facility dedicated to training and community initiatives.
