Toronto awarded WNBA's first franchise outside U.S., with expansion team set to begin play in 2026

Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.

Toronto has been awarded the WNBA's first franchise outside the United States, with the expansion team set to begin play in 2026.

The team will be owned by Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures. Tanenbaum also is the chairman and a minority owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns several Toronto sports franchises, including the NBA's Raptors and NHL's Maple Leafs.

"Growing internationally, I've been trying to think through next steps on a global platform," WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told The Associated Press. "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."

Toronto will be the WNBA's 14th franchise, with the expansion Golden State Valkyries set to start play next year.

"Our Toronto sports franchises are thriving but, we have been missing one critical piece -- women's professional sports," Tanenbaum said. "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."

Toronto will play at 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place and will have the ability to move up to the Scotiabank Arena on occasion. Opened in 1921, Coca-Cola Coliseum also is the home of the American Hockey League's Toronto Marlies.

"Women's sports is good business," Tanenbaum said. "Just look around -- it's not a moment, but a movement and it's just the beginning. The investment that we'll put into the franchise will also be no different than the other franchises."