WNBA Canada Opening Game Exceeds Expectations With 19,000 Attendance - News Block

toronto- The WNBA Canada Opening Game, presented by Tangerine Bank, hosted a preseason matchup with the Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky at Scotiabank Arena.

The Chicago Sky defeated the Minnesota Lynx 82-74 in a preseason clash north of the border. Kahleah Copper scored a game-high 18 points to lead the way. Ontario native Bridget Carleton had three points and two rebounds in 12 minutes. Carleton was greeted by thousands of fans, friends and family before Saturday’s game and received a standing ovation in front of a packed house at Scotiabank Arena. To say that this game was a watershed moment for women’s sports would be an understatement. Saturday’s game was broadcast nationally in Canada and the US and featured a superstar lineup from an all-women Canadian broadcast. The WNBA’s first visit to Canada achieved national supremacy, as the city of Toronto proclaimed May 13 as “WNBA Welcome Day” to commemorate the day.

“I am very excited to be here in Toronto, this is a fundamental moment for this league. We are delighted with the reception.” – Cathy Engelberth.

After Saturday’s game, thousands of fans shared their appreciation as they took photos of the WNBA statue outside the arena. There is great optimism that Toronto will be a potential expansion team in the near future. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told reporters that the WNBA is considering 10 interested ownership groups, sources said. the athletic. Despite the league’s gap without an expansion, standout Canadian players are hopeful that the WNBA will expand to Canada. The WNBA’s expansion into the Canadian ecosystem provides an infrastructure for local athletes to compete at the highest level with greater league visibility.

“Part of me always hoped there would be opportunities here in Canada, I loved playing in the W and the things we did in our community. I always felt like I was doing things in other communities. I never got a chance to go home. – Kayla Alexander.

nba canada rand reported that the average viewership for WNBA games in Canada has increased by more than 90% in the past three years. WNBA social media accounts set an engagement record with 282 million views, an increase of 42% since 2021. The success of the WNBA Canada Game is critical to the growth of women’s sports and is a “step in the right direction.” correct”. The WNBA Season 27 kicks off on Friday, May 19 with three Commissioner Cup games.