WNBA to play first international regular season game in Vancouver this summer

For the first time in the nearly 30-year history of the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA), a regular season game will be played outside of the US when the Seattle Storm face the Atlanta Dream in Vancouver next summer.

“This is a monumental moment for the WNBA, and we are honoured that the league chose the Dream to participate in the first regular-season game outside the US,” said Atlanta Dream President and COO Morgan Shaw Parker.

“We look forward to showcasing our amazing athletes on a global stage in Vancouver. Members of our team have competed internationally, and now they will be doing so wearing Dream colours and representing the city of Atlanta.”

The WNBA Canada Game will take place on Aug. 15, 2025, at Rogers Arena and feature several players with all-star talents, including Atlanta’s Tina Charles, who ranks first and second in WNBA history for rebounds and points.

While this will be the WNBA’s first international regular season game, the league has previously played exhibition matches in Toronto and Edmonton.

“The WNBA Canada Game is an opportunity to showcase the WNBA and its talent to more fans. The Storm is honoured to be a part of this international celebration of basketball,” said Seattle Storm CEO and Team President Alisha Valavanis.

“Playing in front of fans in Edmonton in 2024 was a highlight of the season and we’re looking forward to bringing the Storm energy back to Canada in 2025.”

According to the league, Canadian viewership of the WNBA was up 175% in 2024 compared to the 2023 season.

The Golden State Valkyries will begin play as the 13th franchise in 2025 and the following year will see teams in Toronto and Portland hit the court.

“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,” said WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

Tickets and game information will be announced in the coming months.