WNBA Eyes Expansion to Toronto, Awaits League Approval

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) is poised to expand into Canada with a new franchise in Toronto, according to reports. The Kilmer Group, led by Larry Tanenbaum, is the reported ownership group behind the bid. The WNBA has yet to confirm the reports, but the move aligns with the league's expansion plans.

The WNBA is on the cusp of establishing its first franchise outside the United States, with Toronto emerging as the frontrunner. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) reported that the Kilmer Group has secured the rights to bring the WNBA to Toronto, pending league approval.

If approved, Toronto would become the 14th team in the WNBA, joining an expansion franchise in Golden State that is set to debut in 2025. The addition of Toronto would mark a significant milestone for the league, expanding its reach beyond its traditional U.S. borders.

The Kilmer Group is a prominent Canadian investment firm led by Larry Tanenbaum, a renowned sports executive. Tanenbaum is the chairman and CEO of Kilmer Group and also holds a 25% ownership stake in Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment (MLSE), which owns the Toronto Raptors of the NBA and Toronto Maple Leafs of the NHL.

The Kilmer Group's bid for a WNBA franchise aligns with Tanenbaum's long-standing commitment to sports and his vision for Toronto as a major sports hub. The group's financial strength and experience in sports management make it a strong contender for ownership rights.

The WNBA has yet to officially confirm the reports of Toronto's expansion bid, indicating that the process is still undergoing due diligence. The league stated that it is "engaging in productive conversations with interested ownership groups in a number of markets," but emphasized that the granting of expansion teams requires a vote of the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors.

The approval process is expected to be thorough and rigorous, with the league and its owners carefully assessing the viability of the Toronto franchise. Factors such as market size, financial stability, and fan support will weigh heavily in the decision-making process.

Toronto's bid for a WNBA franchise comes amidst a growing passion for basketball in the city. Canada has hosted two sold-out WNBA pre-season games in recent years, demonstrating a significant appetite for women's professional basketball.

The city is also home to the Toronto Raptors, one of the NBA's most successful and popular teams. The Raptors' success has fostered a strong basketball culture in Toronto, providing a solid foundation for a WNBA franchise.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed a desire to expand the league to 16 teams by the 2028 season. In addition to Toronto, other cities mentioned by Engelbert for possible expansion include Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and the South Florida region.

The WNBA's expansion to Canada would open up a new market for the league and provide a platform for Canadian women's basketball players. It would also strengthen the bonds between the United States and Canada within the sport.

The Toronto WNBA team is reportedly set to play its home games at the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, which currently hosts the Marlies of the American Hockey League (AHL) and Toronto's Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) franchise.

The league's recent announcement that it will provide charter flights for all teams starting this season will greatly facilitate travel for the Toronto franchise, making expansion to Canada more feasible.

The potential expansion of the WNBA to Toronto is a testament to the league's growth and global aspirations. The addition of a Canadian franchise would not only benefit the league financially but also showcase the talent and passion for women's basketball that exists in Canada.

The approval of Toronto's expansion bid would mark a new chapter for the WNBA, solidifying its position as a truly international league. It would represent a significant step forward for women's basketball and strengthen the bonds between the United States and Canada through the shared passion for the sport.