5 Ideas I Have to Maximize on Toronto WNBA Summer Season
With a WNBA team launching in Toronto in 2026, here are 5 things that will make the season even better.
Don’t get me wrong, the NBA season has it’s perks, but knowing that the WNBA is coming to Toronto in 2026, summers in the city are about to get a lot more exciting.
The WNBA starts in May and usually runs into September or October, meaning it’s the PERFECT time in Toronto to be outside. With all the city has to offer in the summer, here are a few of my own personal suggestions to make the most of the season.
Play a Game at Rogers Centre
If there is a way to bring a WNBA game to the Skydome, and be able to watch the roof open, I would never ask for anything ever again. It’s not out of the realm of possibility — the Raptors played for a bit in the Skydome before Scotiabank Arena was finished being built.
Imagine, it’s a hot summer day, you’re watching the Toronto [Insert Name Here]s face the Las Vegas Aces. The roof is open, the breeze is coming in and out. You are drinking some sort of cocktail or beer, hanging with friends.
Many other sports have a yearly outdoor game, and I think that’s what the WNBA is missing — plus Toronto summer weather, if you get it at the right time, is pretty perfect for outdoor sports.
Games on Every Patio
I propose the city makes it illegal to NOT play WNBA games on city patios when they are on. I don’t care who is in whatever men’s playoff series — give me my Toronto WNBA action. Odds are, none of the Toronto teams will be in the playoffs anyway... oops.
By the time Toronto starts in the WNBA, I expect to walk in anywhere on a summer night and see women’s basketball on the TV.
Toronto Summer Patio season is already one of the best things about the season, and being able to freely go out knowing anywhere you choose will be playing the game would make it easier to commit to plans.
No Games on Caribana Weekend
This is just out of fairness for the players, who deserve to be able to enjoy the weekend like everyone else. If anyone is going to enjoy Caribana (other than Gradey Dick of course) it’s WNBA players.
So, give them the weekend off. Let them blow off some steam before the playoffs. Give them a float, which will be celebrated by the fans as well.
Seems like a great time to me.
Good Toronto Food at the Arena
Toronto has some of the best cuisine in North America, and I think that should be represented at games! Jamaican Patties, doubles, Korean corn dogs — the possibilities are endless!
Arena food can be incredibly bland and very overpriced, but what better way to introduce international fans to Toronto than by getting some authentic food vendors in there.
The Raptors will often have food specials depending on what they are celebrating on any given night — South Asian Heritage, Caribbean Night, etc. — so why not just make all of that permanent!
Bring the Party to the Streets
One thing that would be really cool during opening season (and beyond!) would be events around the city celebrating the team. The Golden State Valkyries recently had a block party to celebrate releasing their name/colours, and Toronto summer is perfect for that kind of party!
Viewing the games in the parks. Doing a Jurassic Park Style outdoor experience during games. Having concerts and performances coordinating with games. The possibilities are endless.
Honestly, sometimes it’s a little sad when the weather is SO nice in Toronto and you have to decide between staying in to watch the games or going out to do something in the city. Let’s blend the two! Get people out in the streets while watching the game. It’s also an alternative for when people are not able to get tickets to games.
What do you think? Would you like to see these things happen when the WNBA comes to Toronto? What other things would you love to see?