First Franchise Outside US
CNN has learned from CBC that the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) is set to welcome a new expansion franchise in Toronto, marking its first team outside the United States. The ownership group, reportedly led by Toronto billionaire Larry Tanenbaum of Kilmer Sports Inc., is preparing for a debut in 2026. An official announcement is anticipated on May 23.
WNBA Expansion Process
According to a WNBA spokesperson, the league is actively engaging with potential ownership groups across multiple markets. The final decision to grant expansion teams rests with a vote from the WNBA and NBA Board of Governors. The Kilmer Group, including Kilmer Sports, is yet to provide an official update on the matter.
Tanenbaum’s Sports Background
Larry Tanenbaum, also serving as chairman of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment Limited, has notable ties to various sports teams in Toronto. As a governor of the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, and Major League Soccer’s Toronto FC, Tanenbaum brings a wealth of experience to the upcoming WNBA venture.
League Expansion Plans
The WNBA is on a growth trajectory, expanding from 12 teams to 13 in 2025 with the addition of a San Francisco Bay Area franchise. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has expressed the league’s ambition to reach 14 teams by 2026, with ongoing discussions involving potential expansion cities like Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, Nashville, and South Florida. Looking further ahead, Engelbert envisions a 16-team league by 2028, offering a substantial increase in roster opportunities.
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