Saturday, May 2, 2026

WNBA Announces First Regular-Season International Game in Vancouver

The WNBA has played four preseason games outside the U.S.

Sep 24, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; New York Liberty guard Courtney Vandersloot (22) looks to drive past Atlanta Dream guard Rhyne Howard (10) during game two of the first round of the 2024 WNBA Playoffs at Barclays Center.
Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

The WNBA announced its first-ever regular-season international game will be played in Vancouver in August 2025.

The Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm will play in the third WNBA Canada Game on Aug. 15 at Rogers Arena. The 2023 Toronto and 2024 Edmonton games, which both sold out, were held during the preseason. The Storm lost to the Los Angeles Sparks 84–79 in that Edmonton game. The WNBA also played international preseason games in Mexico in 2004 and England in 2011.

Vancouver will hold the record over Toronto, the first Canadian city to win a bid for a WNBA team. The newly minted Toronto Tempo are set to begin play the following season.

“As we prepare to establish permanent roots in Canada with a Toronto franchise, this game and our year-round engagement efforts are a nod to the incredible momentum around women’s basketball in Canada,” WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert said in a statement.

One-off international games have become big moneymakers for other professional sports leagues, including the NBA and NFL, so much so that the football giant is considering doubling the number of games and selling a separate $1 billion international media-rights package. Even women’s college basketball has for the past two years begun its season in Paris.

The matchup is scheduled for a Friday night, which during the regular season is typically when all WNBA games air on Ion. The exact broadcast schedule won’t be confirmed until the spring, a league spokesperson says.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart (30) shoots the ball against Golden State Valkyries guard Veronica Burton (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center.

Ariel Investments Sees a $1B Women’s Sports Team in the Next 5 Years

Like small-cap stocks, women’s sports teams have room to run.
Kaitlin Oaks (left) from Tampa looks at photos with Layla Abutha from Tampa while attending Thurby at Churchill Downs during the week of Kentucky Derby on Thursday, April 30, 2026.

Kentucky Derby Is Courting Gen Z

Churchill Downs is mixing traditional splendor with a youthful atmosphere.

Dundon Pours Money Into Pickleball As He Cuts Blazers Spending

NBA fans have nicknamed the Blazers owner “El Cheapo.”
The sun rises on the backside as horses work with their riders at Churchill Downs during Kentucky Derby week. April 30, 2026

Prediction Markets Finally Found a Sport They Can’t Offer

Here’s why you won’t see the Kentucky Derby on Kalshi or Polymarket.

Featured Today

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - MARCH 25: Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and makes photographs during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on March 25, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Why Athletes Are Moonlighting As Sports Photographers

Athletes are swapping courtside seats for sideline cameras.
Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
April 21, 2026

The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby

The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
April 17, 2026

The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era

In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
blake griffin
April 14, 2026

Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video

The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.

Elizabeth Williams Explains Why WNBA Players Drew Line on Housing

Williams recently re-signed with the Sky for two years, $1.2 million.
AUSL Golden Ticket
May 1, 2026

‘Golden Tickets’ Could Juice AUSL College Draft

The ticket ensures players will be selected by a team in May.
May 1, 2026

USL Announces Tentative New CBA After Player Protests

Players protested by stopping play during matches this season.
Sponsored

Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media

Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
April 30, 2026

Max Verstappen’s Future Looms Over F1’s Return to Miami

F1 returns after a monthlong hiatus due to two canceled races.
April 30, 2026

F1’s New Era Hits Reset in Miami: How Will Teams Adjust to Rules?

Drivers have been unhappy about F1’s new regulations.
[US, Mexico & Canada customers only] Feb 6, 2026; Riyadh, SAUDI ARABIA; Jon Rahm in action during the third round of play at LIV Golf Riyadh at the Riyadh Golf Club.
April 30, 2026

7 Questions About LIV After Saudis Pull Funding

LIV’s 2026 season is scheduled to run through August.
April 30, 2026

MLS Says Commissioner Was Hacked Amid Whitecaps Fight

The team has been for sale since late 2024.