The first WNBA game in Canada
📖 The history
Today’s exhibition game is an important step in the growth of the league, but it’s not the first time the W has crossed international lines. Back in 2004, Mexico hosted a game between the Detroit Shock and San Antonio Silver Stars, and in 2011, the Atlanta Dream played Team Great Britain in Manchester, England. Pass the tea and crumpets buckets.
So why look to the Great White North? Well, Canada’s a hotbed for basketball talent. But not only is Canada supplying the goods — fans are hungry for in-person hoops. As mentioned up top, today’s game was completely sold out, so a few standing room only tickets were added due to the sky-high demand. So much for “no one watches women’s sports.”
💪 Minnesota Lynx
There are two Canadians on Minnesota’s roster, though *spoiler alert* you probably will only see one in action this afternoon. The Lynx boast Team Canada’s scoring machine Bridget Carleton and rebounding queen Natalie Achonwa. However, Achonwa announced she was pregnant in November, so she’ll probably be taking this one in from the sidelines.
As for the full squad’s outlook, the four-time champion Lynx are in a bit of a rebuild, missing the playoffs last season and saying goodbye to retiring legend Sylvia Fowles.
- But Minnesota didn’t waste any time in the offseason, selecting NCAA All-American Diamond Miller with the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft.
👊 Chicago Sky
There aren’t any Canadians on the Sky, but there’s still plenty of talent to cheer for. ICYMI, there was a mass exodus of stars from Chicago in the offseason, including many of the players who turned ChiTown into SkyTown when they won their first franchise title back in 2021.
That means it’s two-time All-Star Kahleah Copper’s time to shine, especially as the team’s only returning starter from the 2022 season. But, newly signed Courtney Williams will have her back, as well as 2022 All-Rookie standout Rebekah Gardner and former Dallas Wings star Marina Mabrey.
- Plus, under 2022 WNBA Executive of the Year James Wade’s leadership, you can never count Chicago out — he’s not “planning on losing,” after all. The Sky’s the limit.
📺 How to tune in
Tickets may be hard to come by, but luckily, you can catch all the action live on Sportsnet and TSN. Can’t wait to watch them bring their “eh” game.
