Toronto’s newly-awarded WNBA team is involving fans in the decision-making process to build its identity uniquely. Starting in the 2026 season, the team has put out a “call for inspiration,” urging fans across Canada to help select the team name, colors, and overall identity.
“We don’t want to be just another WNBA Toronto,” stated team president Teresa Resch to The Canadian Press via The Associated Press. “We aim to have a name, logo, and color scheme that holds significance for people, something they can take pride in. So, we are excited to reach that point sooner rather than later.”
Fans can share their ideas through the website NameYourTeam.ca or by sending WNBA to the designated number 1-833-662-3664. The submission window will be open until August 28, after which designers and advisors will review the submissions to create a shortlist. The final name and identity will be decided by team and league leadership by year-end.
Similar to recent expansions in other leagues, like the NHL teams in Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, and Seattle, as well as the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries, this team is using a comparable approach.
“We don’t want to confine people,” stated Resch. “Instead of just asking for a name, we want individuals to share what this team signifies to them. Any inspiration that moves them is welcome.”
The new Toronto team will primarily play at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, becoming the WNBA’s 14th franchise and its first outside the US. Kilmer Sports Ventures, led by Larry Tanenbaum, owns the team and is devoted to promoting women’s professional sports in Canada. The investment has been $115 million to bring the WNBA to Canada. To expand the league’s presence, select home games will be played in other Canadian cities.
WNBA’s Expansion Efforts and Toronto’s Role
The WNBA’s move to Toronto signals a significant step in the league’s expansion. This decision aligns with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert’s strategy to enhance the league’s global presence and engage new audiences.
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“Expanding internationally, I’ve been exploring the next steps on a global scale,” Engelbert shared about the Toronto expansion. “It enables us to reach new audiences and attract new partners. The beauty of expanding to another country is that young girls and boys get to witness the significance of professional women’s basketball.”
The Toronto team will join the Valkyries in 2025 as the newest additions to the league. The WNBA’s vision aims to grow to 16 teams by 2028, with cities like Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, and Nashville under consideration for future expansion.
The choice to expand to Toronto comes after successful WNBA exhibition games in Canada over the last two seasons. A preseason matchup between the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx had nearly 20,000 attendees at Scotiabank Arena, while another game in Edmonton featuring the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks drew over 16,000 spectators.
