WNBA to Play First Regular-Season Game Outside U.S. in Vancouver
WNBA Makes History: First Regular-Season Game Outside U.S. Set for Vancouver
Vancouver, BC - Get ready, Canada! The WNBA is making history, bringing its electrifying brand of basketball north of the border for the first time ever. On August 15, the Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm will face off in a regular-season game at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, marking a monumental moment for the league and women’s sports.
This groundbreaking event comes as the WNBA prepares to plant permanent roots in Canada with the Toronto Tempo, its first franchise outside the United States. Awarded last May, the Tempo will tip off its inaugural season in May 2026.
“As we prepare to establish permanent roots in Canada with a Toronto franchise, this game and our year-round engagement efforts are a nod to the incredible momentum around women’s basketball in Canada,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
The Vancouver game builds on the WNBA’s growing presence in Canada. The league has played exhibition games in Toronto (2023) and Edmonton (2024),both of which sold out,demonstrating the fervent appetite for women’s basketball in the country.
This international expansion follows a trend seen in other major pro leagues. The NFL, for example, has been steadily increasing its international footprint, playing five games outside the U.S. in 2024, including a historic matchup in brazil.
The choice of Vancouver for this historic game makes sense, given the city’s proximity to Seattle and its passionate sports fanbase. The Storm, with their strong Canadian following, are a natural fit for this landmark event.
Adding to the excitement, the game will feature Canadian talent. Dream forward Laeticia Amihere, an Ontario native, will have the opportunity to showcase her skills on home soil.
The matchup also pits two playoff-caliber teams against each other. The Storm, perennial contenders, are aiming for their ninth postseason appearance in ten seasons. Simultaneously occurring, the Dream, led by first-year coach Karl Smesko, are looking to secure their third consecutive playoff berth.
This game comes at a pivotal time for the WNBA. The league is riding a wave of momentum, fueled by a record-breaking 2024 season that saw massive interest in a star-studded rookie class led by Indiana’s Caitlin Clark.
With new media partners NBC and Amazon joining Disney/ESPN in a long-term rights deal, the WNBA is poised for even greater growth and exposure.The Vancouver game promises to be a celebration of basketball,a testament to the WNBA’s global reach,and a thrilling preview of what’s to come for the league in Canada.
Ticket data, broadcast details, and the start time will be announced in the coming months. fans can register for presale ticket access at WNBACanadaGame.com.
(Photo: Alika Jenner / Getty Images)
WNBA Makes History: First Regular-Season Game Outside U.S. Set for Vancouver: An Interview wiht a WNBA Expert
NewsDirectory3.com: Today, we’re excited to be joined by [Expert Name], a [Expert Credentials] with extensive knowlege of the WNBA. Welcome!
[Expert Name]: Thanks for having me! I’m thrilled to talk about this historic moment for the WNBA.
NewsDirectory3.com: The WNBA is bringing a regular-season game to Vancouver – a first for the league. What does this signify for the WNBA and women’s sports as a whole?
[Expert Name] :
NewsDirectory3.com: The Toronto Tempo expansion is on the horizon. How does this Vancouver game lay the groundwork for the Tempo’s success?
[Expert Name] :
NewsDirectory3.com: We’ll be seeing Canadian talent in action with Laeticia Amihere playing on home soil. What’s the significance of showcasing Canadian players in this event?
[Expert Name] :
NewsDirectory3.com: Both the Storm and Dream are playoff contenders. what kind of matchup can fans expect?
[Expert Name] :
NewsDirectory3.com: The WNBA is experiencing tremendous momentum,with record television viewership and a burgeoning fan base. How does this international expansion contribute to that growth?
[Expert Name] :
NewsDirectory3.com: Thank you so much for your insights,[Expert Name]. We’re looking forward to this historic game in Vancouver.
[Expert Name] : My pleasure. It’s an exciting time for the WNBA!