When will Toronto, Portland expansion teams officially join WNBA?

Excitement continues to increase during the WNBA offseason as the Golden State Valkyries prepare to make their debut in the league in 2025. The Valkyries will become the WNBA's 13th expansion team. However, there are other confirmed WNBA expansion teams that will join the league soon.

It was previously announced that both Toronto and Portland will be receiving WNBA teams, but when will they officially join the league?

Toronto, Portland to make WNBA debuts in 2026

Golden State will join the WNBA in 2025. Fans in Toronto and Portland will not need to wait much longer for their teams to begin play, as the new Toronto and Portland franchises will make their WNBA debuts in 2026.

Rumors had swirled about both cities over the years. The NBA has teams in both Portland and Toronto as well. There is certainly a basketball market in the cities and the teams may be quite popular.

Toronto

Canada is getting a WNBA team in 2026. The Toronto expansion team, which will be the WNBA's 14th franchise, will play at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in the city.

The team, which does not yet have a nickname, will become Canada's first ever WNBA team. Toronto receiving a franchise is further proof of the WNBA's growth, as it will represent the league's first team outside of the United States of America.

The WNBA is increasing its popularity within the USA. The league also wants to continue its growth from a global standpoint. Women's basketball is already quite popular in Europe. Adding a team in Canada will only help the global growth of the WNBA.

Portland

Unlike Toronto, the WNBA and Portland have history together. Portland is set to become the WNBA's 15th franchise, but they previously had a team as well.

The Portland Fire joined the WNBA in 2000, just three years after the WNBA's initial season. It only lasted a few years, though, as the Fire dissolved in 2002. Portland is hoping for better results this time.

The new Portland team does not yet have a nickname. Some fans have requested that the franchise bring the Fire back to honor the 2000 team, but many options will be considered.

The new Portland team will play its home games at the Moda Center, sharing the arena with the Portland Trail Blazers.

The WNBA could announce a 16th team soon. Expansion is clearly a priority as the league continues to see an immense increase in popularity.