The WNBA will host its inaugural regular season match outside the United States, featuring the Atlanta Dream taking on the Seattle Storm in Vancouver on August 15, as announced by the league on Monday.

Previously, the WNBA has held two exhibition games in Canada, with one such event taking place this past season in Edmonton, where the Seattle team played. Additionally, the Toronto Tempo will enter the league as the first international team beginning in 2026.

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert expressed enthusiasm about this milestone, stating, “The WNBA Canada Game has presented an excellent chance to expand our league’s presence. We eagerly anticipate hosting the inaugural international regular season game as the Seattle Storm returns to Canada to compete against the Atlanta Dream. This game signals our commitment to establishing a permanent base in Canada, and it reflects the vibrant growth of women’s basketball in the country.” The Dream has historical significance in international play, having participated in the first preseason WNBA game in Europe, where they triumphed over the British national team in 2011.

Atlanta Dream president and COO Morgan Shaw Parker remarked on the significance of this event, noting, “This marks a historic achievement for the WNBA, and we are privileged to be selected for the first regular season game hosted outside the U.S. We are excited to showcase our incredible athletes on an international platform in Vancouver. Several members of our team have competed on a global level, and now they will represent the city of Atlanta while donning Dream colors.”

This upcoming game will be the fifth WNBA game played internationally, joining past games in Mexico and previous contests held in both Canada and England. The interest in women’s basketball in Canada has surged, with viewership increasing by 175% last season compared to the prior year, alongside record-setting engagement on digital platforms like WNBA League Pass and various social media outlets.

Seattle’s CEO and president, Alisha Valavanis, highlighted the importance of this event, stating, “The WNBA Canada Game is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the talent of the WNBA to a broader audience. We are honored to participate in this celebration of global basketball. Competing in front of fans in Edmonton in 2024 was a season highlight, and we can’t wait to bring the Storm’s energy back to Canada in 2025.”