The WNBA will host its first regular season game outside the United States when Atlanta and Seattle face Vancouver on Aug. 15, the league announced Monday.
The league has played two exhibition games in Canada, including one played by Seattle in Edmonton last season. Toronto Tempo will begin operations in 2026 as the first international team in league history.
“The WNBA Canada Game was a tremendous opportunity to grow our league’s footprint, and we look forward to hosting the first-ever international regular season game as the Seattle Storm return to Canada to take on the Atlanta dream,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “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 .”
The Dream appeared in the first WNBA preseason game in Europe, defeating the British national team in 2011.
“This is a monumental moment for the WNBA, and we are honored that the league has chosen the Dream to play in the first regular season game outside of the United States,” said Morgan Shaw Parker, president and CEO of the WNBA. operation of the Atlanta Dream. “We look forward to showcasing our incredible athletes on the world stage in Vancouver. Our team members have competed internationally, and now they will do so wearing the Dream colors and representing the city of Atlanta.
This will be the fifth WNBA game played outside the United States, following a previous game played in Mexico in 2004 to accompany the Canada and England games. Viewership in Canada grew 175% last season compared to the previous year and the league set new highs domestically across digital platforms, including WNBA League Pass and social media.
“The WNBA Canada game is an opportunity to showcase the WNBA and its talent to more fans. “The Storm is honored to be part of this international celebration of basketball,” said Seattle CEO and President Alisha Valavanis. “Playing in front of fans in Edmonton in 2024 was a highlight of the season and we look forward to bringing the Storm energy back to Canada in 2025.”
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