Atlanta Dream and Seattle Storm battle in historic WNBA game in Canada
- Vancouver will host a WNBA regular-season game on August 15, 2025.
- The game will feature the Atlanta Dream against the Seattle Storm.
- This event signifies a historic move for the league as it expands its reach beyond the U.S.
In an exciting development for women's professional basketball, Vancouver, Canada, has been selected to host the first regular-season WNBA game played outside of the United States. Scheduled for August 15, 2025, this significant event will feature a matchup between two prominent teams, the Atlanta Dream and the Seattle Storm, at Rogers Arena. This game is particularly notable as it marks a step toward expanding the league's geographic reach and popularity beyond its traditional American base. The decision to hold this game in Vancouver is part of an ongoing strategy by the WNBA to promote and grow women's basketball. Prior to this event, the WNBA had only organized exhibition games in Canada, with two exhibitions taking place in Edmonton and Toronto in May 2023. Hosting a regular-season game represents a significant milestone, demonstrating the growing interest and support for women's basketball in Canada. The Atlanta Dream, who are coming off a second consecutive playoff appearance in 2024, boast a roster that includes notable Canadian player Laeticia Amihere from Mississauga, Ontario, and the recognized talent Tina Charles, the 2022 WNBA rookie of the year. Meanwhile, the Seattle Storm, four-time WNBA champions, are celebrating their 25th anniversary and have participated in the playoffs 19 times. Their lineup features stars like Nneka Ogwumike, a nine-time all-star and 2016 league MVP, alongside fellow all-stars Jewell Loyd and Skylar Diggins-Smith. As the WNBA looks forward to this landmark game in Vancouver, it also gears up for the upcoming 2025 season, which is set to commence on May 16. The introduction of the expansion team, Toronto Tempo, scheduled to begin play in the 2026 season, indicates a strong future for professional women's basketball in the region. The successful execution of the Vancouver game could pave the way for a broader audience and increased interest in women's sports, underlining the commitment of the league to enhancing its visibility and impact in North America and beyond.