There will be a bit of history in the making as the Women’s National Basketball Association announced that the first ever WNBA Canada Game will take place on Saturday, May 13. It will feature two of the WNBA’s best as the Chicago Sky will take on the Minnesota Lynx, who will look to thrill fans at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, ON.
“Bringing a WNBA preseason game to Canada is an important milestone for the global growth of the league,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert. “I’ve spoken often of the global popularity of women’s basketball and, this past season, WNBA games were broadcast in 207 countries and territories, including in Canada, where fans have shown a great appetite for WNBA action. And as Canadian stars like Bridget Carleton, Natalie Achonwa and Kia Nurse continue to flourish in and drive interest around the league, we’re looking forward building on the momentum and excitement surrounding the WNBA in Canada with this historic game.”
The Chicago Sky will bring with them an impressive pedigree of Women’s Basketball team, as the franchise has been able to win the WNBA championship in 2021, while also reaching the semifinals of the WNBA Playoffs this past season. The Sky features four 2022 WNBA All-Stars in Kahleah Copper , Emma Meesseman and Candance Parker, who have also won the Finals MVP awards.
“The Chicago Sky are thrilled to have the opportunity to play the first ever preseason game in Toronto, Canada and share the excitement of the WNBA with our friends up North,” said Sky President and CEO Adam Fox. “We know Canada has a rich women’s basketball history, passion for the game, and shared values around diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are honored to partner with the Minnesota Lynx to showcase some of the world’s greatest basketball players to help expand the WNBA’s popularity in Canada and globally.”
Minnesota also brings a star-studded resume and line-up to the fans of Canada, as the Franchise has been able to win four WNBA championships from 2011 through 2017, making 11 consecutive playoff appearances. Minnesota has been led by 2019 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year Napheesa Collier and Aerial Powers.
“We are looking forward to participating in this historic game for the WNBA,” said Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve. “The league’s global popularity has shown incredible growth, and I am pleased our team will be a part of continuing to pave the path for the WNBA by bringing our game to Canada.”
This is the third WNBA preseason game to be played outside of the United States as in 2004 the Detroit Shock and San Antonio Silver Stars had the chance to play in front of fans in Monterrey, Mexico. In addition the WNBA made a splash in England as they featured the Atlanta Dream taking on the Great Britain Women’s Basketball team.
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