Historic WNBA Game Set for Vancouver: Atlanta Dream vs. Seattle Storm!

In an unprecedented event, the WNBA will etch a landmark moment in women’s pro basketball history on August 15, 2024, when the Atlanta Dream takes on the Seattle Storm in Vancouver, British Columbia. This exciting matchup will mark the first regular-season WNBA game played outside the United States, a significant milestone for the league.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed her enthusiasm about this groundbreaking development, stating, “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 Toronto franchise, dubbed the Toronto Tempo, was announced last May and will officially join the WNBA in May 2026—expanding the league’s footprint internationally for the first time. The WNBA has previously tested the waters with exhibition games in Canadian cities, with sellout crowds witnessed in both Toronto in 2023 and Edmonton in 2024.

Vancouver will play host to what will be the fifth WNBA game held outside the U.S. To date, the league has ventured internationally for preseason games in Monterrey, Mexico (2004), and Manchester, England (2011), showcasing its ambition to tap into a global market.

The Storm, poised for success, is particularly fitting as they make their way to Vancouver due to its geographical proximity. Details regarding ticket sales, broadcast information, and the game’s start time will soon be revealed. Fans eager to secure their spot can register for presale notifications at WNBACanadaGame.com. The highly-anticipated game will take place at Rogers Arena.

Notably, the Toronto Tempo aims to be a franchise for all of Canada, with President Teresa Resch emphasizing that the team’s light blue and red colors resonate well with the national identity. The name 'Tempo,' recognizable in both English and French, reflects Canada’s bilingual nature. Plans to hold games in other Canadian cities like Vancouver and Montreal demonstrate the franchise's commitment to national engagement.

In this August showdown, fans will have the chance to root for Laeticia Amihere, a forward for the Dream and a proud native of Ontario, making this a particularly special event.

As for the respective teams, the Storm is eyeing a postseason berth, striving for their ninth playoff appearance in ten seasons, while Atlanta, under first-year coach Karl Smesko, aims to secure a playoff spot for the third consecutive year—something they haven’t achieved since 2012-2014.

Looking ahead, the 2024 season will see the WNBA undergo a landmark media evolution. NBC and Amazon have joined Disney/ESPN as new media partners, marking a significant leap toward enhancing the league's visibility and reach. Following a record-breaking year fueled by captivating rookie talents and dynamic veterans, the WNBA is primed to continue its upward trajectory, with 32 telecasts surpassing a million viewers throughout the season, fueling further fan engagement and excitement.

Prepare for an unforgettable match as the WNBA steps into a new era!

Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this incredible game and the future of women’s basketball in Canada!