Lynx to play in WNBA’s first-ever Canada game

The Minnesota Lynx have been chosen to play in the WNBA’s first-ever game in Canada.

Wednesday, the league announced that the Lynx will play the Chicago Sky in a preseason matchup in Toronto.

The game is slated to be played on May 13 at Scotiabank Arena.

“Bringing a WNBA preseason game to Canada is an important milestone for the global growth of the league,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said. “I’ve spoken often of the global popularity of women’s basketball and, this past season, WNBA games were broadcast in 207 countries and territories, including in Canada, where fans have shown a great appetite for WNBA action. And as 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.”

Carleton and Achonwa have been important contributors for the Lynx but also recently led Team Canada to the semifinals of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. Carleton was Canada’s leading scorer while Achonwa was the second-leading rebounder.

“We are looking forward to participating in this historic game for the WNBA,” Lynx Head Coach and President of Basketball Operations Cheryl Reeve said. “The league’s global popularity has shown incredible growth, and I am pleased our team will be a part of continuing to pave the path for the WNBA by bringing our game to Canada.”

The game will be just the third WNBA preseason game to be played outside the U.S., following the 2004 matchup between Detroit and San Antonio in Monterrey, Mexico and the 2011 matchup between Atlanta and Standard Life Great Britain in Manchester, England.

Ticket information for the game in Toronto will be announced at a later time. The league says the game will be broadcast live in Canada on Sportsnet and TSN while fans in the U.S. can watch it on WNBA League Pass.