The WNBA formally introduced its enlargement to Canada on Thursday morning. Toronto, chosen because the league’s 14th staff, will start play in 2026.
It is official. After months of hypothesis, Canada is formally the house of the most recent WNBA enlargement staff. Though Toronto was chosen as the subsequent WNBA metropolis, staff president Teresa Resch made a really clear assertion.
“This is not simply Toronto’s staff. That is Canada’s staff.”
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert introduced Thursday morning Toronto has been chosen because the 14th staff. The league’s first worldwide staff, Toronto, is slated to start its augural season in 2026. First reported by CBCSports Shireen Ahmed, the WNBA formally confirmed the information right this moment.
“Bringing a WNBA staff to Toronto represents an essential milestone for our league as we proceed to increase each domestically and out of doors the USA,” mentioned WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert in an official press launch.
The information would not come as a shock. Together with the expansion of ladies’s basketball have come elevated alternatives. Along with constitution flights, the league is constant to broaden. Whereas the 2024 rookie draft class is particular, the rise of the WNBA has been well-documented for a while. The most recent staff arrives on the heels of the profitable 2023 season. With the distinctive expertise persevering with to pour in, the WNBA wants extra roster spots. The addition of enlargement groups will solely resolve that concern. Some of the aggressive leagues in sports activities, the league solely has 144 spots, which makes it troublesome to accommodate the entire expertise. It basically boils down to provide and demand.
