Get ready, basketball fans! The roar of the crowd at Montreal’s legendary Bell Centre might soon echo with the dribble of a WNBA ball. In a move that’s sending ripples of excitement across the sports world, the owner of the Montreal Canadiens, Geoff Molson, and France Margaret Bélanger, president of sports and entertainment for the CH group, have officially joined the ownership group of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s newest expansion team set to tip off in 2026.

this groundbreaking partnership isn’t just about expanding the WNBA’s footprint; it’s about bringing elite women’s basketball directly to Canadian fans. As part of this exciting venture, the Toronto Tempo is slated to play two exhibition games at the Bell Centre in july. While the exact dates are still under wraps, pending the official WNBA schedule release, the prospect of seeing top-tier talent, potentially including the electrifying Caitlin Clark, grace the Montreal hardwood is already generating notable buzz.

This significant progress is the culmination of strategic discussions between Molson and Larry Tanenbaum, a key shareholder and chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Tanenbaum, through his company Kilmer Sports Venture, spearheaded the successful bid to bring the WNBA’s first Canadian franchise to life. This collaboration underscores a shared vision for elevating women’s professional sports in North America.

“Even if we are not friends on the ice, we are friends out of ice,” Molson remarked, referencing the storied rivalry between the montreal Canadiens and the Toronto Maple Leafs. This sentiment highlights a broader commitment to sports growth beyond team loyalties.

The implications of this expansion are far-reaching. For years, discussions about the professionalization and growth of women’s sports have been gaining momentum. The WNBA’s arrival in Canada, coupled with the potential for high-profile games in major Canadian cities like Montreal, signals a tangible step forward. It provides a clear pathway for aspiring female athletes in Canada to see a professional future in sports like basketball and hockey, mirroring the opportunities available to their male counterparts.

The quality of women’s sports has seen a remarkable ascent. I believe that everyone agrees to say that sports quality, be it female hockey or basketball, has really improved over the years, and supporters realize it, a sentiment that resonates deeply with fans who have witnessed this evolution firsthand. The increased visibility and competitive parity are drawing larger crowds and more dedicated fan bases.

Adding further star power and credibility to the tempo ownership group is none other than tennis legend Serena Williams. A titan of her sport, Williams boasts an remarkable 39 Grand Slam titles, including a record 23 in singles.Her involvement brings immense global recognition and a powerful voice to the WNBA’s expansion efforts.

It brings a lot of visibility and credibility, Molson stated, emphasizing the impact of such high-profile figures. And it is also bilingual, so in our market, it will be able to contribute in French, and that too, it will contribute to the Tempeo brand. Williams’ ability to connect with
And engage diverse audiences strengthens the WNBA’s ambitions in Canada.

The excitement doesn’t stop at Montreal. The WNBA’s expansion plans are accelerating. The league itself is projected to reach 18 teams, with new franchises slated for cities such as Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia, as announced in June 2025 [[1]] These projections point to a dynamic future for women’s basketball, both within the United States and internationally.