WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said the league is expanding with a new Toronto franchise and plans for an overseas game in 2027 [4, 5].
These moves signal a strategic shift to capitalize on the league's rising popularity and increase global revenue. By expanding the team footprint and testing international markets, the WNBA aims to provide more opportunities for players and fans alike [1, 2].
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Engelbert said the league has experienced rapid growth. She noted the increasing visibility of the sport, citing the WNBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, which drew 18,000 spectators [1]. This surge in interest supports the decision to add a franchise in Toronto, Canada, marking a significant step in the league's expansion efforts [5].
Beyond North American growth, the league is looking toward a global presence. Engelbert said the WNBA plans to play its first overseas game in 2027 [4, 6]. While the specific venue for the international matchup has not been determined, the move is intended to broaden the league's reach beyond the U.S. and Canada.
Engelbert brings significant corporate experience to the role of commissioner. Before leading the league, she oversaw $20 billion in revenue at Deloitte [3]. During her tenure at the professional services firm, she managed a workforce of roughly 100,000 employees [3].
This business background has influenced the league's current trajectory of scaling operations and diversifying revenue streams. The addition of the Toronto team and the pursuit of international play are part of a broader effort to transform the WNBA into a more sustainable, and globally recognized, sports entity [1, 2].
“the league is expanding with a new Toronto franchise and plans for an overseas game in 2027”
The WNBA's push into Canada and the international market represents a transition from a domestic league to a global brand. By leveraging high-attendance events and corporate scaling strategies, the league is attempting to create a financial model that can support more teams and higher player compensation through expanded media and sponsorship opportunities.
