The Toronto Tempo will play their first regular-season home game against the Washington Mystics on May 8, 2025 [1].
The event marks the first time a Canadian city has hosted a WNBA franchise. This expansion brings professional women's basketball to a new international market, signaling a growth phase for the league and a milestone for sports in Canada.
The game will take place at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto [3]. The matchup serves as the official introduction of the franchise to its local fanbase after years of anticipation for a Canadian presence in the league.
"The Toronto Tempo will open their season on May 8 against the Washington Mystics at Scotiabank Arena," Tara De Boer said [1].
Fans have multiple options for viewing the historic debut. Tickets are available via the arena box office for those attending in person, while others can stream the game live on CBC Gem [2].
This inaugural game is the result of the league's strategic move to enter the Canadian market. The Toronto Tempo now stands as the sole representative of Canada within the WNBA, creating a new professional pathway for athletes in the region.
"This is a historic moment for Canadian basketball as Toronto becomes the first Canadian city with a WNBA franchise," a Sports Yahoo contributor said [4].
While some reports varied on the specific date and opponent, the primary schedules confirm the May 8, 2025 [1] date and the Washington Mystics [4] as the visiting team. The event is expected to draw significant attention as the city welcomes the professional women's game to its premier sports venue.
“The Toronto Tempo will open their season on May 8 against the Washington Mystics at Scotiabank Arena.”
The establishment of the Toronto Tempo represents the WNBA's first foray into the Canadian market, mirroring the successful international expansion model used by the NBA with the Toronto Raptors. By securing a presence in a major North American hub, the league is not only increasing its viewership and commercial footprint, but also legitimizing the growth of women's professional sports in a region with a deep basketball culture.
