WNBA Expansion 2024: Owner, home court, price and other details about WNBA's first-ever international franchise

Earlier this year, news emerged that Toronto would be the next city to land a WNBA team. The team was purchased by Kilmer Sports Ventures, which operates multiple franchises in Toronto, including the Raptors and Maple Leafs. The ownership group reportedly paid $115 million for the WNBA team, which is expected to hit the court in 2026.

Kilmer Sports executive Larry Tanenbaum discussed Toronto becoming the WNBA's first international franchise (via AP):

“Our Toronto sports franchises are thriving but, we have been missing one critical piece — women’s professional sports,” Tanenbaum told the AP.

“The world is finally taking notice of something that’s been there all along — the immense talent, passion and competition in women’s sports. So, once again, I saw an opportunity and knew we were in the right place at the right time to bring Canada’s first WNBA team to Toronto. And now we have, making sports history.”

Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto has been chosen as the venue for the team's home games. However, the team is expected to play games across Canada in due course. Scotiabank Arena, where the Raptors play, has been cited as a potential venue.

WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert shared her thoughts on the expansion:

“Growing internationally, I’ve been trying to think through next steps on a global platform. It helps us reach new audiences and bring in new partners. The thing I love about going to another country is that the young girls and boys get to see professional basketball for women is important, too.”

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Stars show up for announcement of Toronto's WNBA expansion team

On Thursday morning, the WNBA held a press conference to announce the expansion team in Toronto. Once up and running, it will be the league's 14th franchise. Multiple stars made an appearance at the announcement, including Kyle Lowry and Masai Ujiri, as well as hip-hop's Drake.

Lowry was one of the best players to ever put on a Toronto Raptors uniform and spent nine years with the franchise. He was beloved by the fanbase and was a part of the 2019 team that delivered the franchise its first championship.

Ujiri has held a role in the Raptors' front office for over a decade now and is the team's president. As for Drake, the Toronto native is a known superfan of basketball.

Toronto's expansion team is set to make its debut during the 2026 season.