VANCOUVER - Brittney Sykes expects the crowd inside Rogers Arena on Friday to be "stupid" with excitement as the Toronto Tempo looks to build a fan base in Vancouver.
Why it matters: The Toronto Tempo’s visit to Vancouver marks a key moment in the WNBA’s expansion into Canada, highlighting the growing interest in women's basketball.
The Tempo is playing two games in Vancouver, starting with a matchup against the Portland Fire on August 21, 2026.
Following the game against the Fire, the Tempo will host the Las Vegas Aces, the reigning WNBA champions, on August 23, 2026.
A fan festival featuring a 3x3 tournament and player appearances is scheduled for August 22, 2026.
Driving the news: Sykes, who played for the Seattle Storm last year during the WNBA’s first regular-season game outside of the United States, witnessed firsthand the excitement of fans eager to see professional women’s basketball.
“I just think it’s great for the fans to be able to come and see multiple of their favourite players in one spot,” Sykes said after Friday’s shootaround.
She noted that fans are traveling from across state boundaries to support the team, showing "unconditional love" for the players.
State of play: The Tempo, an expansion team, aims to establish its presence in Canada through community engagement and high-energy games.
Head coach Sandy Brondello emphasized the importance of building a fan base, stating, “We’re Canada’s team, aren’t we?”
Brondello has been part of the WNBA for 27 of its 30 seasons, witnessing the league's growth and evolution.
The big picture: The WNBA has expanded significantly, now including a Canadian team, which reflects a broader interest in women's sports.
Sykes expressed optimism about the league's growth, noting the increasing visibility and sponsorship opportunities.
The Tempo's efforts to reach fans across Canada are seen as a way to inspire young girls to pursue sports.
What they're saying: Players and coaches alike are enthusiastic about the potential for growth in Canadian women's basketball.
“It’s just experiencing the type of fandom that we’re getting, the type of buy-in that we’re getting,” Sykes remarked.
Brondello added, “Any time that you can go to a new city, it’s an opportunity, isn’t it?”
By the numbers: Recent attendance figures indicate a strong interest in women's basketball in Canada.
The Tempo's previous game at Montreal's Bell Centre drew a record crowd of 20,996, setting a new attendance record for a WNBA regular-season game.
This shows that there is a solid foundation for building a fan base in Vancouver.
Between the lines: The Tempo's strategy includes engaging with local communities to cultivate a loyal fan base.
The planned fan festival aims to connect players with fans, fostering a sense of community around the team.
Brondello hopes to make Tempo players household names across Canada.
What’s next: The Tempo will focus on delivering exciting performances to attract more fans.
As they play in Vancouver, the team aims to leave a lasting impression on local basketball enthusiasts.
The outcomes of these games could influence future strategies for the Tempo's outreach efforts.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published on August 21, 2026.