Billionaire Larry Tanenbaum is focused on pursuing a WNBA expansion team for Toronto.
Tanenbaum is a minority owner and chairman of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment. They own the Toronto Maple Leafs, Toronto Raptors, Toronto FC, Toronto Argonauts and now they are seeking a WNBA team through Tanenbaum’s holding company, the Kilmer Group.
Toronto possesses some of the most passionate fans in the world. Therefore, adding a WNBA team to the mix would be intriguing. Seeing how fans support the Raptors, the same should be expected for this new addition to the city.
As time passes, more news should come out about this expansion. However, former Raptors Vice President Teresa Resch is expected to take the helm for this new WNBA franchise.
President of Basketball Canada, Michael Bartlett expressed excitement about this new development, via Shireen Ahmed of CBC Sports:
“Two specific things would help strengthen women’s basketball in Canada. A domestic league for women, and then a professional WNBA team that would have the same lightning rod effect as the Raptors did.”
As the WNBA continues to grow with more and more talent entering the league, the likes of Caitlin Clark, will only increase popularity. But, it feels right adding a team in Toronto due to the passionate fanfair.
The WNBA dabbled with the Toronto market as they hosted a pre-season game at Scotiabank Arena back in May 2023. The game sold out, which is a positive sign going forward.
League commissioner Cathy Englebert said Toronto is on a list of 10 cities as the WNBA is actively looking for an expansion team. The recent example being the Las Vegas Aces, who have won back-to-back championships.
Toronto teams up with Sinai Health for 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser
The Raptors take pride in giving back to the community, which goes a long way to building and expanding a fanbase.
Toronto teamed up with Sinai Health for a 3-on-3 basketball fundraiser, aimed to help research in the medical field.
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