WNBA Canada Game Presented by Tangerine Bank
For the first time, the WNBA is coming north of the border. The WNBA Canada Game, presented by Tangerine bank, will feature a pre-season match-up between the Chicago Sky and the Minnesota Lynx on Saturday, May 13th, at the Scotiabank Arena. The Ontario natives Natalie Achonwa and Bridget Carelton will play in their first WNBA homecoming for the Minnesota Lynx. The Chicago Sky are coming off a disappointing loss in the WNBA playoffs and will start their quest for a title run in May. The 2022 WNBA Commissioner Cup runner-up was led by All-star Candance Parker, Kahlead Cooper and Emma Meesseeman.
Canadian stars like Bridget Carleton, Natalie Achonwa and Kia Nurse continue to flourish in and drive interest around the league, we’re looking forward building on the momentum and excitement surrounding the WNBA in Canada with this historic game." - Cathy Engelbert
The Ontario natives Natalie Achonwa and Bridget Carelton will play in their first WNBA homecoming. The Canadian stars both continue to flourish under the SWNT program, where they led Canada to the semifinals of the Fiba Women's Basketball World Cup. In more recent years, Canada has become a hotbed for talent, Canadian stars Kia Nurse, Natalie Achonwa, and Bridget Carelton continue to drive the interest of the WNBA league, and a potential franchise north of the border.
The WNBA is intensely engrossed in expanding into new markets. In June, The WNBA Commissioner announced their evaluation of potential expansion cities. Despite various conversations around expansion, the WNBA failed to meet the end-of-year deadline, sources told The Athletic. The ecosystem of Canadian basketball has presented new expansion opportunities. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelberth hopes to visit expansion plans upon the renewal of the 2024 CBA agreement.
Tangerine as Presenting Sponsor for WNBA
For the third time, the WNBA will play its pre-season outside of the U.S. Bringing the game to Canada highlights the foundational partnership between Tangerine and the WNBA. Tangerine and the W enter the third year of its partnership. Under their partnership, collective efforts have developed an infrastructure for promotional and marketing opportunities.
“As the first foundational partner of the WNBA in Canada, we’re proud to expand upon our commitment to women’s sport and female leadership, we look forward to showcasing some of the world’s best basketball players on a new stage in Toronto.” - Gillian Riley
Canadian star Kia Nurse has hosted a youth girl’s basketball clinic under Her Time to Play in collaboration with Tangerine. The synergy between Tangerine and the WNBA league creates a lasting social impact across various communities while empowering women leaders in sports. The Tangerine President and CEO, Gilian Riley is committed to female leadership while influencing innovative ways within the sports ecosystem. For access to more information, fans can follow the WNBA across all social platforms.