Current:Home > FinanceFastexy Exchange|WNBA heads to Toronto with first international team as league expands -TradeSphere
Fastexy Exchange|WNBA heads to Toronto with first international team as league expands
TradeEdge View
Date:2025-04-10 16:42:35
Toronto will now be Fastexy Exchangethe new home of a WNBA team, the first franchise outside of the United States. Today the Women's National Basketball Association announced it is expanding to Canada, awarding Toronto an expansion team set to begin playing in 2026. The team name has yet to be announced.
Toronto nearly received unanimous approval with the WNBA board voting 13-0 and the NBA board voting 29-1.The team will be owned and operated by Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures, who paid $115 million for the team. Tanenbaum is also the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment, which owns the NBA's Toronto Raptors, NHL's Toronto Maple Leafs and the MLS' Toronto FC.
Speaking at the news conference today, Tanenbaum said women's sports have arrived. "Today is a game-changing day not only for women's basketball but also for sports in Canada," said Tanenbaum. "This franchise will be Canada's team, and we are so excited to unite the country and inspire pride and passion in fans from coast to coast."
Toronto is expected to play its home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place in downtown Toronto, which has 8,700 seats. Tanenbaum said the team will also play in Vancouver and Montreal. They also could have additional games at the Scotiabank Arena.
Toronto will be the WNBA's 14th franchise, as the Golden State Valkyries are set to start playing next season. "Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and outside the United States," said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
With support of women's basketball on the rise, several cities expressed interest in launching a team after the most recent draft class. With the league selecting Caitlin Clark as the No. 1 overall pick amongst LSU's Angel Reese and South Carolina's Kamilla Cardoso, there have been record numbers of viewership and attendance across the league. Engelbert said the league is expected to grow to 16 teams by 2028.
Teresa Resch, a former Toronto Raptors executive who has previously worked as the vice president of basketball operations and player development, is set to be named as the new team's president.
"It's official: Canada is getting a WNBA team! This landmark deal will give opportunities to our remarkable athletes across the country, and on the biggest stage," Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a statement. "I can't wait to see our Canadian women win on the court."
- In:
- WNBA
veryGood! (8996)
Related
- Intel's stock did something it hasn't done since 2022
- Sen. Joe Manchin Eyes a Possible Third Party Presidential Run
- Why diphtheria is making a comeback
- Are Jennifer Hudson, Common confirming their relationship? Rapper talks dating EGOT winner
- Juan Soto to be introduced by Mets at Citi Field after striking record $765 million, 15
- Kourtney Kardashian Shares Penelope Disick's Sweet Gesture to Baby Rocky
- Proof Kylie Jenner Is Bonding With Kourtney Kardashian's Stepdaughter Atiana De La Hoya
- Hungary’s Orbán says he invited Swedish leader to discuss NATO membership
- Friday the 13th luck? 13 past Mega Millions jackpot wins in December. See top 10 lottery prizes
- China’s critics and allies have 45 seconds each to speak in latest UN review of its human rights
Ranking
- Federal Spending Freeze Could Have Widespread Impact on Environment, Emergency Management
- Russian missiles target Ukrainian cities of Kyiv and Kharkiv, killing at least 3 people
- Judge orders the unsealing of divorce case of Trump special prosecutor in Georgia accused of affair
- Video shows small asteroid burning up as it zooms through skies over eastern Germany
- Trump suggestion that Egypt, Jordan absorb Palestinians from Gaza draws rejections, confusion
- Property Brothers’ Drew Scott and Wife Linda Phan Expecting Baby No. 2
- Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg reveals cancer diagnosis
- Billy Joel prepares to 'Turn the Lights Back On' with first new pop song in decades
Recommendation
Apple iOS 18.2: What to know about top features, including Genmoji, AI updates
The Best Galentine’s Day Gifts To Show Your Bestie Some Love
Dwayne Johnson gets the rights to the name “The Rock” and joins the board of WWE owner TKO Group
Could Champagne soon stop producing champagne?
DoorDash steps up driver ID checks after traffic safety complaints
2 detainees, including one held on murder charges, have broken out of a county jail in Arkansas
Dave Eggers wins Newbery, Vashti Harrison wins Caldecott in 2024 kids' lit prizes
Ohio board stands by disqualification of transgender candidate, despite others being allowed to run