It was a landmark day for Toronto basketball Thursday when the WNBA officially announced that the city would receive the league’s first expansion team north of the border. The event drew several big names, including Scottie Barnes, Kyle Lowry, and, notably, Drake. However, Drake's presence quickly became a talking point on social media, with fans trolling the rapper using Kendrick Lamar lyrics.
Drake's appearance at the announcement was expected given his close ties to Toronto's sports scene. However, social media users were quick to shift the focus from the WNBA's historic moment to the rapper's recent rap feud with Kendrick Lamar. The internet buzzed with fans quoting Lamar's lyrics.
Several tweets poked fun at Drake, suggesting that his presence might bring bad luck to the new team. One user, @LoLoByke, tweeted, “Drake cursing them before the team is even assembled is….a choice,”, via Blake Schuster of For The Win, referring to the so-called “Drake Curse” in sports.
The rivalry between Drake and Kendrick Lamar is one of the most prominent in recent hip-hop history. It began with mutual respect and collaboration but eventually devolved into a series of traded barbs and diss tracks.
Drake's appearance at the WNBA Toronto announcement inevitably brought the rap feud back into the spotlight. Social media was abuzz with reactions, many of which referenced Kendrick Lamar's lyrics. Fans seemed more interested in trolling Drake than celebrating the WNBA's historic announcement.
An historic move for the WNBA
The decision to expand to Toronto is a significant step for the WNBA, marking the league's first franchise outside the United States. The new team is set to begin play in 2026. WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert highlighted the importance of this move in reaching new audiences and inspiring young fans globally.
Larry Tanenbaum-led Kilmer Sports Ventures is investing $115 million to bring the WNBA to Toronto. Tanenbaum is also the chairman and a minority owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment.
The Toronto team will play at the 8,700-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum at Exhibition Place, with the potential to host games at the larger Scotiabank Arena. The commitment to building a practice facility further demonstrates the investment in the team’s success and growth.
The decision to expand to Toronto follows successful WNBA exhibition games in Canada over the past two seasons. For example, a preseason game between the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx last year drew a sold-out crowd of nearly 20,000 to Scotiabank Arena, while over 16,000 fans attended a preseason game in Edmonton between the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks.
The WNBA's announcement is part of a broader strategy to expand its reach and influence. The league plans to grow to 16 teams by 2028, with cities like Philadelphia, Portland, Denver, and Nashville being considered for future expansion. The San Francisco-based Golden State Valkyries, set to begin play in 2025, will be the WNBA’s 13th team, followed by Toronto in 2026 as the 14th.
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