Toronto WNBA Expansion Team Set to Debut in 2026

Toronto has been selected as the home of the WNBA's first international team, marking a significant milestone for the league. Led by Larry Tanenbaum, Kilmer Sports Ventures will be investing $115 million to bring the new team to life. This expansion franchise is scheduled to kick off its inaugural season in 2026. The move to expand to Toronto reflects the WNBA's commitment to growing its global presence and reaching new audiences.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her excitement about the expansion, highlighting the importance of showcasing women's professional sports on an international stage. The addition of Toronto as the league's 14th franchise is a testament to the rising popularity and competitiveness of women's basketball.

With plans to play at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, the team will have a home base in Toronto while also exploring opportunities to engage fans in Vancouver and Montreal. Tanenbaum emphasized the significance of bringing women's professional sports to Toronto, recognizing the talent and passion that exists within the industry. Building a strong foundation for the new team, Kilmer Sports Ventures is committed to investing in the franchise and creating a lasting impact in the sports world.

The announcement of Toronto's WNBA team is part of a broader strategy by the league to expand to 16 teams by 2028. Engelbert revealed that there is growing interest from various cities, including Portland, Philadelphia, Denver, Nashville, and South Florida, to join the WNBA family. The upcoming seasons are poised to witness further growth and development for women's basketball, setting the stage for an exciting future in the sport.