The WNBA’s historic expansion in 2025 has brought not one but two exciting new teams into the fold: the Toronto Tempo and the Golden State Valkyries. This bold move marks a significant step in the league’s evolution, reflecting its rising popularity and global appeal. Both teams bring unique opportunities, diverse fan bases, and new challenges, setting the stage for a thrilling chapter in WNBA history.
Toronto Tempo: Canada’s Entry Into the WNBA
A Global Basketball Hub
Toronto, a city with a rich basketball history fueled by the Raptors’ 2019 NBA Championship, is the perfect home for the Tempo. The Tempo will play at the iconic Scotiabank Arena, which already serves as a basketball mecca for the Raptors. The arena’s 19,800-seat capacity provides ample space to welcome fans eager to support Canada’s first WNBA team.
Building the Roster
The Tempo assembled a balanced roster in the expansion draft, blending seasoned veterans with emerging talents:
- Sophie Cunningham: Known for her three-point shooting and intensity, Cunningham will bring leadership and scoring to the Tempo.
- Naz Hillmon: A force in the paint, Hillmon’s rebounding and interior scoring make her a foundational player.
- María Conde: With an impressive international resume, Conde offers versatility and a high basketball IQ.
With Teresa Resch at the helm as General Manager, Tempo has a clear vision for sustained competitiveness. Resch’s previous success with the Toronto Raptors brings optimism about her ability to replicate that success with this WNBA franchise.
Ticket Prices and Fan Experience
Ticket prices for the Tempo’s inaugural season are expected to range between $40 to $250, depending on the seating. Courtside seats for marquee matchups could go even higher, reflecting the city’s enthusiasm for basketball. The team plans to offer immersive game-day experiences, including pre-game fan zones and exclusive meet-and-greet opportunities.
Golden State Valkyries: The Bay Area’s New Powerhouse
A Team for the Bay Area
The Golden State Valkyries join the WNBA as a dynamic new franchise based in San Francisco, with their home court at the Chase Center. Sharing the state-of-the-art facility with the Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries aim to build on the region’s basketball fervor. The Chase Center, which seats 18,064 fans, is poised to become a WNBA hotbed.
A Closer Look at the Valkyries’ Roster
The Valkyries made strategic picks in the expansion draft, focusing on versatility and international talent:
- Iliana Rupert: A 6’4” center with international experience, Rupert’s defensive prowess and rebounding are key to the team’s interior game.
- Veronica Burton: Known for her court vision and defensive skills, Burton will anchor the backcourt and provide stability.
- Cecilia Zandalasini: A sharpshooter from beyond the arc, Zandalasini’s efficiency adds a scoring punch to the Valkyries’ offense.
- Temi Fagbenle: The experienced forward brings physicality and leadership to the roster.
With a blend of experienced players and promising rookies, the Valkyries are set to compete from day one.
Potential Teams for WNBA Expansion
As discussions about NBA expansion heat up, several cities and regions are positioning themselves as prime candidates for new teams. Here’s a look at the leading contenders:
Seattle
The most obvious choice for NBA expansion is Seattle, a city with a rich basketball history. The SuperSonics’ departure in 2008 left a void that fans have been clamoring to fill. With a renovated Climate Pledge Arena and a strong local fanbase, Seattle is ready to welcome back an NBA franchise.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas has rapidly established itself as a sports hub with the success of the Raiders (NFL) and Golden Knights (NHL). Adding an NBA team would complete the city’s transformation into a major sports destination. The T-Mobile Arena offers a state-of-the-art venue, and the city’s vibrant tourism industry ensures strong ticket sales.
Mexico City
Expanding internationally, Mexico City represents a bold move for the NBA. The league has already tested the waters with the Capitanes in the G-League, and a full NBA team could tap into a massive and passionate fanbase. Arena Ciudad de México provides a modern facility for hosting games.
Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, is another contender, boasting a deep basketball tradition rooted in college hoops. The KFC Yum! Center is a premier venue that could easily accommodate an NBA team. Louisville’s central location also makes it a convenient addition to the league’s travel schedule.
Vancouver
After the departure of the Grizzlies in 2001, Vancouver has remained a viable option for NBA expansion. The city’s passionate sports culture and proximity to other West Coast teams make it an attractive candidate. Rogers Arena, home to the NHL’s Canucks, could serve as a suitable venue.
Salaries for WNBA Expansion Players
The Toronto Tempo and Golden State Valkyries have set the standard for what WNBA expansion teams will look like, including player compensation. Here’s a breakdown of what each player will earn during the 2025 season:
Veteran Players
- Kayla Thornton and Monique Billings: As experienced veterans with championship pedigrees, these players will earn around $202,000, the WNBA’s maximum salary.
International Stars
- Iliana Rupert and Cecilia Zandalasini: Known for their overseas success, these players are expected to earn between $150,000 and $180,000, depending on bonuses and incentives tied to performance.
Rookie and Younger Players
- Veronica Burton and Carla Leite: Players on rookie contracts or with limited WNBA experience will earn between $74,305 and $84,506, as per the league’s rookie pay scale.
Reserves and Bench Players
- Julie Vanloo and Temi Fagbenle: Bench players will earn between $60,000 and $70,000, reflecting their rotational roles and the league’s structured pay system.
Overall Team Payroll
The WNBA maintains a salary cap of $1.42 million per team for 2025, ensuring competitive balance across the league. Expansion teams like the Tempo and Valkyries will allocate salaries strategically to maximize performance while adhering to the cap.
This structured pay system not only maintains league-wide parity but also provides players with opportunities for bonuses and endorsements, further enhancing their earning potential. As the WNBA grows, so does the prospect of increased salaries and better compensation for its athletes.
Ticket Pricing and Accessibility
The Golden State Valkyries and Toronto Tempo are ushering in a new era of WNBA fandom with a balanced approach to ticket pricing. Standard seats range from $30 to $200, offering accessibility to fans from all walks of life. Premium seating options, including luxury suites and courtside experiences, cater to those looking for a more exclusive game-day atmosphere. These premium packages are expected to feature VIP perks like meet-and-greet opportunities with players, exclusive merchandise, and gourmet dining options.
To further enhance accessibility, the Valkyries and Tempo plan to introduce specialized family packages. These bundles will include discounted tickets for groups, concessions vouchers, and even interactive activities for kids, such as halftime games or pre-game meetups with team mascots.
In a progressive move, both teams are also working on initiatives to support underserved communities. Discounted tickets for students, seniors, and local community programs will ensure that basketball remains an inclusive sport. With these thoughtful strategies, the Valkyries and Tempo aim to fill their arenas while strengthening their bonds with local communities.
The Impact of Expansion
Economic Growth
The economic implications of the WNBA’s latest expansion are profound. In Toronto and San Francisco, the new teams are expected to generate millions of dollars annually in local revenue. Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena, home of the Tempo, will see an uptick in events, driving local tourism and creating jobs in hospitality, retail, and transportation. Similarly, the Chase Center in San Francisco, which hosts the Valkyries, will benefit from increased foot traffic, boosting nearby small businesses like restaurants and sports bars.
Beyond ticket sales, the expansions will invigorate local economies through merchandise sales, sponsorship deals, and game-day expenditures. Early projections suggest that each team could add as much as $25 million annually to their city’s economic ecosystem. Local governments have also pledged to reinvest portions of these revenues into community development programs, ensuring that the benefits are widespread.
New Rivalries and Excitement
The introduction of the Toronto Tempo and Golden State Valkyries is already sparking excitement among fans and players alike. Anticipation is building for the first matchup between these two new teams, with analysts speculating on how their rosters and strategies will compare. The Valkyries’ robust mix of veteran talent and promising rookies contrasts sharply with the Tempo’s balanced focus on international stars and collegiate standouts, making their games a must-watch.
These expansions also pave the way for new rivalries with established franchises. Fans are already circling games against the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty on their calendars, eager to see how the newcomers fare against the league’s elite. The Tempo-Valkyries games, in particular, are expected to draw significant viewership, especially given the geographic and cultural contrasts between Toronto and San Francisco.
Moreover, the inclusion of these new teams enhances the competitive landscape of the WNBA, offering fresh storylines and opportunities for the league to attract a broader audience. The 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and captivating years in the league’s history.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for the WNBA
A Year of Growth
The launch of the Toronto Tempo and Golden State Valkyries underscores the WNBA’s remarkable trajectory of growth. Over the past five years, the league has seen double-digit percentage increases in viewership, thanks to a mix of thrilling on-court action and strategic marketing efforts. The introduction of these new teams is a signal to fans and investors alike that the WNBA is firmly establishing itself as a cornerstone of professional sports.
Attendance rates are another indicator of the league’s expansion. In 2024, attendance climbed by over 20% league-wide, and the addition of teams in basketball-rich markets like Toronto and San Francisco is expected to push those numbers even higher. Both cities boast passionate sports fan bases, ensuring that the new franchises will be met with enthusiasm.
Ticket Demand Soars
The demand for tickets to Tempo and Valkyries games has been nothing short of extraordinary. Season tickets for both teams sold out within hours of their release, setting a new benchmark for the WNBA. Fans eager to witness the league’s expansion have turned to resale markets, where ticket prices for marquee games have reached $500 to $1,000 for courtside seats, levels previously seen only in the NBA or major international sporting events.
High-profile matchups, such as games against the Las Vegas Aces and New York Liberty, are already commanding premium prices. The Valkyries’ opening game at the Chase Center is projected to be one of the highest-attended events in league history, and the Tempo’s home debut at Scotiabank Arena is anticipated to have a similar impact.
Fan Engagement
In the digital age, the WNBA is leveraging innovative strategies to maintain fan engagement. The Tempo and Valkyries are spearheading efforts with interactive social media campaigns, augmented reality (AR) fan experiences, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
Both teams have announced plans for robust offseason programming, including youth clinics, community events, and partnerships with local influencers to keep fans engaged year-round. Fans can also expect customized mobile apps, allowing them to interact with players, access exclusive content, and participate in real-time voting for game-day experiences.
What’s Next for the WNBA?
International Expansion
The successful introduction of the Toronto Tempo has sparked discussions about further international expansion. Potential future markets include London, Sydney, and even Mexico City, cities that have already shown an appetite for professional basketball. Adding teams outside the United States would solidify the WNBA’s position as a global league and attract new talent from international markets.
If the league can sustain its current growth, international teams could debut as early as 2028, bringing even more diversity and competitive dynamics to the WNBA.
A Rising League
The addition of the Tempo and Valkyries is part of a broader transformation for the WNBA. Discussions are already underway to renovate or expand existing venues, signaling the league’s readiness to accommodate larger audiences. The rise in ticket prices and sellout games demonstrates a newfound profitability for the league, which has historically faced financial challenges.
With endorsements for players increasing and high-profile brands investing in sponsorships, the WNBA is entering what many are calling its “golden era.” Iconic players like A’ja Wilson and Breanna Stewart continue to elevate the league’s profile, drawing attention from a broader demographic of fans.
A Bright Future for the WNBA
The Toronto Tempo and Golden State Valkyries represent more than just new teams; they signify a shift in the league’s identity and potential. These franchises are reshaping the WNBA’s competitive and financial landscape, paving the way for further growth and innovation.
The 2025 season is poised to be a landmark year, filled with packed stadiums, new rivalries, and fresh narratives that will captivate basketball fans across North America. As the Tempo and Valkyries prepare to tip off their inaugural seasons, they are not just joining a league—they’re helping to define its future.
For fans, players, and the cities of Toronto and San Francisco, the excitement is only beginning. The WNBA is no longer just an emerging league—it’s becoming a premier destination for world-class basketball.
