WNBA’s Expansion Team Makes Its Home in Toronto

If the diehard support for the Toronto Raptors is any sort of yardstick, the WNBA’s announcement of Canada’s first professional women’s basketball team is news Canadian sports fans will relish. The yet-to-be-named franchise will be the 14th WNBA team on the roster in a league that has become one of North America’s most prominent women’s sports leagues. With Canada flying their flag in the WNBA now, basketball fans up north have a new home team to support whole-heartedly.

In 2023, WNBA games were the best attended in 13 years, and last year was also its most popular season for television viewing. Sportsbooks have seen the number of WNBA bets quadruple in the past few years, especially with superstars such as Caitlyn Clark bursting onto the scene. The new Toronto WNBA team is testament to ever more support for women’s basketball in Canada.

The owner of the new WNBA team is Larry Tanenbaum, who also has financial interests in the Toronto Raptors, Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto F.C. News of the latest WNBA expansion team was unveiled at a prestigious event attended by musician Drake – a proud ambassador for the team.

Starting in 2026, the Toronto WNBA team home games will be hosted at the historic Coca-Cola Coliseum, seating 8,700 people. Between matches, the team will practice at the University of Toronto until they have their own facilities available to use.

While Toronto is set to be Canada’s first WNBA team, popular Canadian players such as Aaliyah Edwards, Bridget Carleton, Kia Nurse, and Laeticia Amihere have already made the roster.

Toronto’s WNBA team will mark a historic moment in Canadian women’s sports, drawing plenty of attention and excitement for sports fans far and wide. Their inaugural match will take place during the regular WNBA season in the spring of 2026.

Fans will have to wait a bit longer for the exact date of Toronto’s first WNBA game, which will be confirmed once the official schedule has been released.

Fans can stream games through various platforms the likes of ESPN, TSN, and the WNBA League Pass. These services provide both live coverage and on-demand replays, ensuring you never miss one moment of any game. Local broadcasting channels may also air games, but these channels are yet to be confirmed.

Canadian basketball fans have been speculating for over a year now, but we still don’t know the official name of the new Toronto WNBA team. TSN spoke to some locals to get their take. Have you got any team name ideas of your own?

Canada’s entry into the WNBA also creates opportunities for basketball fans to enjoy real money wagering on sports betting sites. The new franchise representing Canada means followers of the sport can now bet on their home team and potentially profit from their on-court success.

Although you can’t put money on Toronto until the 2026 WNBA season, the action this year has just got underway. Place your bets at one of these popular sportsbooks that accepts Canadian players:

1. Bodog – 100% match bonus up to $400

This sportsbook is a popular choice for Canadian bettors, known for its user-friendly interface and competitive odds. Choose from moneyline WNBA bets and point spreads to totals and player props.

2. TonyBet – 100% first deposit bonus up to $100

Here’s another excellent platform for betting on WNBA games. It features in-depth game statistics, helping you make informed betting decisions. Their mobile app ensures you can bet easily on the go.

3. BetPlays – Deposit match bonus up to $2,000

For WNBA fans, BetPlays offers various betting options, including futures bets on season outcomes and individual player performances. Then add a cash-out feature and other regular sports promotions.

From basketball to soccer betting, Canadian sportsbooks offer an extensive variety of women’s sports to bet on. These provide an exciting way for you to engage with your favourite teams and athletes. For more wagering options, see our recommended sports betting sites and get the latest odds and markets.