The WNBA has selected Canada as its first international expansion location. The league introduced the Toronto Tempo as a new franchise this season, marking a significant milestone. However, Canada has a long history of exporting talented players to the U.S., with Kelly Boucher being the pioneer Canadian player in the league back in 1998.
Canadian players have made significant strides in the WNBA, with Stacey Dales being the highest Canadian draft pick in 2002. The addition of the Toronto team has generated excitement among fans, especially young aspiring athletes who now have a local team to support. The growing presence of Canadians in Division 1 college basketball, including standout players like Agot Makeer, has also contributed to the talent pipeline.
Kia Nurse, a prominent Canadian player, sees the Toronto Tempo as a catalyst for the growth of women’s basketball in Canada, akin to the impact the Toronto Raptors had on men’s basketball. Nurse envisions a future where a women’s national team in Canada comprises WNBA players, reflecting the potential for further development in the sport.
Nurse, who plays for the Tempo, expressed gratitude for the warm reception she received from fans during the team’s debut. She made history by scoring the first basket for the Tempo in a preseason game against the Connecticut Sun, highlighting the significance of the moment in her career.
The Tempo’s schedule includes games in Montreal, Vancouver, and at Scotiabank Arena, where they will be broadcast on TSN as part of a new media rights agreement. The team aims to engage fans across Canada and build a strong community around the Tempo, emphasizing inclusivity and accessibility to the games.
Looking ahead, WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert hinted at the possibility of teams playing games overseas in the future, as part of the league’s global expansion strategy. This move aligns with the league’s vision of promoting women’s basketball on an international scale, with plans to showcase the WNBA beyond North America.
