Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside US, with expansion team set to begin play in 2026

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Toronto has been awarded the WNBA’s first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026

. The team will be owned by Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures. Tanenbaum also is the chairman and a minority owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns several Toronto sports franchises, including the NBA’s Raptors and NHL’s Maple Leafs. “Growing internationally, I’ve been trying to think through next steps on a global platform,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Associated Press. “It helps us reach new audiences and bring in new partners.

Opened in 1921, Coca-Cola Coliseum also is the home of the American Hockey League’s Toronto Marlies. “Women’s sports is good businesses,” Tanenbaum said. “Just look around — it’s not a moment, but a movement and it’s just the beginning. The investment that we’ll put into the franchise will also be no different than the other franchises.” Tanenbaum said that the team also will play some games in Vancouver and Montreal.

 

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