Toronto Welcomes New WNBA Franchise, Searches for Team Name.

Posted 6 months ago

"The start of a new chapter in Canadian sports history is here."

These words marked the official announcement in a video that Toronto is the newest home for a franchise in the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA).

Toronto celebrated the new WNBA franchise at a news conference with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Mayor Olivia Chow, and rapper Drake, who's an ambassador for the city's NBA team.

This marks the WNBA's first expansion outside the US, a significant milestone for women’s sports in Canada, especially as basketball was invented by a Canadian.

The team, starting in 2026, is yet to be named, sparking excitement and speculation about its branding and message to Canada and the world. Suggestions like Toronto Dragons and Toronto Aurora have surfaced, echoing the anticipation.

Larry Tanenbaum, who secured the WNBA franchise, mentioned the team will take its time to choose a name and seek public input, highlighting the importance of a name that's culturally relevant yet enduring.

For Misty Meeks, a PR expert, the team's name should reflect the current culture while staying adaptable for the future.