The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to introduce its first team outside the United States by awarding an expansion franchise to Toronto, which will begin playing in the 2026 season. The franchise has been granted to the Kilmer Group, led by Larry Tanenbaum, who is also the chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment. Games for the new team are scheduled to start in May 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, which has a capacity of 8,000 seats.

This development marks a significant expansion for the WNBA, as Toronto will join the league amid its plans to grow to 16 teams by the 2028 season. Other cities considered for future expansion include Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, and Nashville. This move is reflective of the WNBA’s ongoing efforts to increase its reach and popularity, which includes recent initiations like charter flights to support the logistics of an expanding league.

The choice of Toronto follows successful pre-season games held in Canada, showcasing a strong local fanbase for women’s basketball. The WNBA’s expansion into Canada with a Toronto team highlights a growing international interest in the league.