• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, November 12, 2024
DEADLINE EXTENDED: The Best Employers in Sports survey is now open through Nov. 13 Learn More

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

NBA’s Declining Viewership Gets Steph Curry Bump

Last Wednesday’s Warriors-Celtics game averaged 2.14 million viewers.

Bears Revisiting Another Lakefront Location for New Stadium

The site is about 2.5 miles south of Soldier Field.

Chiefs-Bills Clash Could Set Ratings High, and CBS Is Going Big

CBS is set to broadcast “The NFL Today” on-site from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y.

DSG’s Future Hangs on Bankruptcy Hearing As MLB Objects to Plan

The bankrupt regional sports network operator will learn whether it will again become a viable company.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

Can the NBA Cup Help Revive Lagging Viewership?

0:00

Featured Today

Former President Donald Trump waves to the crowd as he exits the putting green with his aide Walt Nauta, left, during the final round of the LIV Golf Bedminster golf tournament at Trump National Bedminster on Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023.
opinion

Trump Win Puts Sports Back in the White House

With Trump back in the White House, sports get more political again.
Members of the NY Giants run onto the field to start the game between the New York Giants and the Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024.
November 8, 2024

The NFL Is Becoming the League With No Borders

Where will the NFL go next? International expansion will only get bigger.
November 5, 2024

NFL Center Connor McGovern Is the Heir to a Potato Empire

The NFL vet’s family provides potatoes for McDonald’s, Wendy’s, and others.
Vanderbilt Commodores fans head to the south end zone as the goal post is taken down by exuberant fans after beating No. 1 Alabama 40-35 at Vanderbilt Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2024.
opinion
November 2, 2024

Something New in College Football This Year: Parity

Upsets, surprises. CFB is more fun on the field than the NFL.

NBA In-Season Tournament Returns: New Name, Fresh Look, Bigger Payout

The league’s in-season tournament is back with a new name and a slightly raised top prize.
November 10, 2024

Goodell: NFL Eyeing 8 International Games In 6 Countries Next Season

The Giants-Panthers game in Germany concludes the NFL’s five-game 2024 international slate
November 11, 2024

The Caitlin Clark Show Is Hitting the LPGA Tour in a Big..

The WNBA star is playing in an LPGA pro-am this week.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
November 7, 2024

F1 Revenue Dips As Q3 Race Count Slips, but Big Changes Ahead

F1’s Q3 revenue dips slightly, but billion-dollar LVMH deal fuels optimism.
November 7, 2024

NASCAR Season Wraps Up With Major Momentum for 2025

Cup Series races this year have averaged 2.89 million viewers.
May 19, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of the chain and jersey of Atlanta Braves shortstop Orlando Arcia (11) against the San Diego Padres in the seventh inning at Truist Park.
November 6, 2024

Braves Report Strong Quarter, but Still Face Media Uncertainty

Revenue rises for the high-performing MLB club as it awaits the outcome of Diamond Sports Group’s bankruptcy.
November 6, 2024

McIlroy: Trump Could Help PGA Tour–LIV Golf Deal Discussions

The star golfer said Tuesday’s election results may benefit the fractured sport.