The WNBA is set to make history by holding its first regular season game outside of the United States, with the Atlanta Dream taking on the Seattle Storm in Vancouver, Canada, on August 15, 2025. This significant announcement was made by the league on Monday.
Prior to this event, the WNBA has organized two exhibition games in Canada, including one in Edmonton featuring the Seattle Storm earlier this year. With the introduction of the Toronto Tempo in 2026, the first Canadian team in the league’s history, the WNBA is looking to further expand its international presence.
“The WNBA Canada Game has been a fantastic opportunity for the growth of our league, and we are excited to host the first international regular season game with the Seattle Storm meeting the Atlanta Dream in Canada,” stated WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “As we work towards establishing a permanent presence in Canada with a Toronto franchise, this game and our ongoing engagement efforts demonstrate the growing momentum of women’s basketball in Canada.”
A Global Stage for Women’s Basketball
The Atlanta Dream, with previous experience in Europe, will showcase the league on an international platform in Vancouver. The Dream participated in the first WNBA preseason game in Europe in 2011.
“This is a historic moment for the WNBA, and we are privileged that the Dream has been chosen to take part in the first regular-season game outside of the U.S.,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, President and COO of the Atlanta Dream. “We are eager to highlight our exceptional athletes on a global stage in Vancouver. Some of our team members have competed internationally, and now they will do so proudly representing Atlanta.”
Seattle Storm’s Return to Canada
The Seattle Storm, a successful WNBA team, will return to Canada to play against the Atlanta Dream at Rogers Arena in Vancouver. The team expressed their excitement on social media: “Oh Canada, we’re coming BACK 🇨🇦 We’re visiting our neighbors to the north to face off with @AtlantaDream at @RogersArena on August 15!”
Toronto Tempo and Future Expansion
This game signifies a significant step towards the WNBA’s global aspirations. In May 2024, the WNBA granted an expansion franchise to Toronto, known as the Toronto Tempo. The Tempo will join the league in 2026, positioning Toronto as its home base with games also to be played in Vancouver and Montreal.
“This franchise will be Canada’s team,” mentioned Toronto Tempo team owner Larry Tanenbaum, emphasizing the team’s national identity. “The Tempo will have games in Vancouver and Montreal throughout the season.”
A Sign of Things to Come
The WNBA’s increased presence in Canada is part of a larger strategy to enhance the league’s global exposure. In July 2024, a significant media rights deal worth a reported $200 million annually was signed, providing financial stability and resources for new opportunities. The Vancouver regular season game in 2025 is a pivotal part of this strategy, potentially paving the way for more international events in the future.
