WNBA Expansion into Toronto Unlikely: Canadian Women’s National Team Stands Alone in the Spotlight

Professional women’s sports are thriving in Canada. The Professional Women’s Hockey League and Project Eight’s incoming soccer league are impressive examples, however basketball has experienced a setback. Despite the promising sell-out crowd for a WNBA exhibition game in Toronto in May, the Toronto Star reported that MLSE decided not to pursue bidding for a franchise.

“Obviously disappointed,” Minnesota Lynx forward Bridget Carleton, the only Canadian to play in the exhibition game, expressed her sentiment. She spoke to CBC Sports from the MLSE Launchpad in Toronto, stating her desire for a WNBA team in Toronto and her belief that women’s sports in Toronto and Canada are on the rise, despite the recent turn of events.

The announcement by the WNBA in October about adding a 13th team in the Bay Area in 2025 was a ray of hope. However, with the second team coming to Canada now seeming unlikely, the women’s national team is taking center stage. They are about to start their journey to Olympic qualification with a tournament beginning in Colombia.

A possible joint qualification for the men’s and women’s teams at the Olympics will be a first since 2000. “It would mean the world,” said Kia Nurse, a two-time Olympian and guard with the Seattle Storm, who believes that high exposure from Olympic events will benefit Canadian basketball immensely.

Canada’s women’s national team is ranked fifth. Their qualification for Paris is dependent on their performance in the upcoming tournament and another set of games in either Hungary or China. It is highly anticipated that the women’s national team could pull off a surprise in their upcoming matches.

The prospect of more Canadian WNBA athletes represents a positive outlook for the future. This, in combination with the addition of expansion teams, will further elevate the influence of Canadian basketball at an international level.

In the absence of a WNBA franchise in Toronto, players and fans have turned their attention to forming a version of the Canadian Elite Basketball League for women. A domestic pro league could be a giant step forward for basketball enthusiasts in the country.

For now, all eyes are on the national team. During the nearly two years under the leadership of Spain’s Victor Lapeña, the team has been preparing for the Olympic qualifying journey. Their coach’s enthusiasm has been described as contagious by players, reflecting a strong team spirit and determination.

A collection of athletes with diverse backgrounds forms the backbone of the roster. These dedicated players are now gearing up to represent Canada in the upcoming Olympic qualification tournament.

While the country awaits further developments, including the potential formation of a professional women’s basketball league in Canada, the admiration for the sport and recognition of its talented players continues to grow across the nation. The rise of women’s sports in Canada paints a picture of hope, progress, and a bright future for women’s basketball.

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Rachel Adams

Rachel Adams is your WNBA insider, delivering comprehensive coverage of women’s basketball. With a commitment to highlighting the talent and achievements of WNBA players, she provides game analysis, player profiles, and inspiring stories from the league.