• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 4, 2025

Can Toronto Seal Deal On WNBA Expansion?

  • The WNBA sold out its first-ever game in Canada.
  • Toronto is on a shortlist of cities under consideration for expansion teams.
John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

In the aftermath of Toronto’s rousing success as host for a preseason WNBA game this past weekend, talk of the league’s expansion to Canada is quickly gaining steam.

The sellout crowd for the Minnesota Lynx-Chicago Sky matchup at Scotiabank Arena, home of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, showed that North America’s appetite for women’s sports only continues to grow.

If the WNBA can sell out an exhibition game in Toronto, it seemingly would want to enter the market as soon as possible. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Toronto is indeed on a short list of cities the league is considering for expansion, but still won’t lay out a timeline for any decisions. 

Engelbert previously said the league is now targeting 2025 for any expansion teams to enter the league, after originally hoping for 2024. The WNBA wants to give any new league franchises 18-24 months to prepare business and basketball operations. 

Toronto appears to be battling with cities like Nashville, Oakland, and San Francisco as the top contenders for potential expansion teams. Location and club amenities will certainly be a factor in choosing the right spot for the WNBA, which has worked hard to give its players better working conditions, as with the expansion of its charter-flight program.

As for price, the WNBA will want to charge as much as possible for an expansion fee. 

Earlier this year, the Seattle Storm received a valuation of $151 million after new investment — far and away the highest figure in the league.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

3,000 Hot Dogs, $20K in Prizes: Behind the Nathan’s Eating Contest

Nathan’s serves up thousands of hot dogs and $20,000 in prize money.
opinion

Caitlin Clark’s Media Supporters Pushing Harder Against Slights

Dick Vitale, Colin Cowherd, and others are accusing other WNBA players of jealousy.
exclusive

WNBA Players Reject League’s First CBA Offer

Players felt the initial proposal wasn’t “entirely responsive” to their request.

NHL to Rejoin Olympic Ice in Milan—and NBC Set to Cash In

NHL players last competed in the Olympics in 2014.

Featured Today

Geoffrey Esper Can’t Catch a Break at Nathan’s Hot Dog Eating Contest

“Hot dogs is not one of my favorite competitions of the year.”
June 29, 2025

The Battle Over Wimbledon’s Ambitious Expansion Plan

A classic NIMBY standoff on one of the most hallowed grounds in sports.
Seattle Rough & Tumble
June 28, 2025

Women’s Sports Bars Are on the Rise. Survival Isn’t Guaranteed

Some women’s sports bars are cashing in. Others are clawing for funding.
June 27, 2025

Shitposters Have Taken the Reins of Pro Sports’ Official Voices

Meet the social media pros turning sports teams into internet trolls.
Jul 2, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) heads to the dugout prior to the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Dodger Stadium.

MLB Changes Are ‘Showing Great Results’: Former CFO

Big stars playing in major markets “make a real difference.”
Sophie Cunningham
July 2, 2025

WNBA Expansion Decisions Show League Prioritizes North, NBA Ties

One player ripped the league for its geographic choices.
Michael Johnson
July 3, 2025

Grand Slam Track Still Owes Athletes $13 Million: Source

The new track league hasn’t paid athletes in full yet.
Sponsored

Hottest Matchups Following NFL Schedule Release

The NFL released the 2025 regular-season schedule, and anticipation is already building in the ticket marketplace with four months to go.
exclusive
July 2, 2025

PGA Tour Slashes FedEx Cup Winner Pay From $25M to $10M

The FedExCup is reworking how it distributes its bonus money.
Red Panda
July 2, 2025

Red Panda Hospitalized After WNBA Halftime Fall

The beloved performer was taken off the court in a wheelchair.
July 1, 2025

WNBA Roster Limits Under Fire After Vanloo’s Valkyries Release

Kaitlyn Chen remains on the Valkyries roster.
July 1, 2025

LIV Golf CEO Pushes Back On PGA Tour Merger

Scott O’Neil said there could be new opportunities for the Tour’s players.