WNBA Expanding Internationally To Toronto As Viewership Climbs | Forbes
The WNBA is on the cusp of a groundbreaking expansion with its first non-U.S. team slated for Toronto in 2026. This move marks a significant stride toward the league’s ambitious goal of comprising 16 teams by 2028. Spearheaded by Kilmer Sports Ventures, owned by Larry Tanenbaum, a prominent figure in the NBA Board of Governors, the Toronto team comes with a hefty price tag of $115 million, a testament to the growing allure of women’s basketball.
Set to call the Coca-Cola Coliseum home, the Toronto team aims to not only thrive on the court but also become a beacon of inspiration for the local community and beyond. With the WNBA Commissioner expressing confidence in the team’s success, excitement brews for what lies ahead in the Canadian basketball landscape.
Larry Tanenbaum’s involvement underscores the financial heft behind the venture, with his net worth estimated at $2.5 billion, reflecting the substantial investment in women’s sports. However, the expansion wasn’t without its share of drama, as NBA politics came into play during the approval process, showcasing the intricacies of sports governance.
This expansion aligns with the WNBA’s upward trajectory, fueled in part by the growing popularity of women’s college basketball. With soaring ticket sales and record-breaking viewership, the league is seizing the moment by implementing changes to accommodate the surge in interest, from chartering planes for travel to hosting games in larger stadiums.
As anticipation mounts for the Toronto team’s debut, one question lingers: What will the team be named? With Tanenbaum hinting at public involvement in the naming process, the mystery adds to the anticipation surrounding this groundbreaking addition to the WNBA…………..[read more]
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