WNBA Toronto launches public naming campaign

The team will launch in 2026, but are looking to fans to help decide on a name through a public suggestion portal.

Earlier this spring, the WNBA announced that Toronto would be the destination for the league’s 14th team, set to tip-off in 2026.

In a bid backed by Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Group, Toronto’s WNBA hopes were revitalized after MLSE backed out on their own bid last year. The team won’t technically have any ties to the Toronto Raptors, but is being led by President Teresa Resch — who previously served as Vice President for the Raptors.

When the expansion team was announced back in May, there were no confirmations about names, branding, or anything regarding the identity of the team. Now, WNBA Toronto is looking to fans to suggest names and ideas.

Now, out Raptors HQ loyal will know that I (Chelsea), have been extremely vocal about what I want (and more importantly, don’t want) in a name for the Toronto team. Yet, I feel inclined to let you know that I am not (yet anyway) a part of the official naming process. I have greatly enjoyed hearing your suggestions over the past few months, and enjoyed grading them even more. Now, it’s time to make those suggestions count by submitting them into the official portal.

There is no indication of how the rest of the naming process will go from here. Hey, maybe they already have a favourite name and want to see what public opinion is. Maybe they have a few top contenders and want to see if anything new and better comes around. Either way, it seems like they are open to any kind of suggestion.

For those who were around in the mid-90’s to participate in the Toronto Raptors naming process, you may remember there were a few contenders from that vote. Raptors was the best choice in my personal opinion, though as a baby at the time I did not get to voice my opinion. Hopefully our WNBA team gets an equally badass and fun identity.

To input your suggestions, make sure to head to https://www.nameyourteam.ca/ or submit your ideas by text by sending WNBA to 1-833-662-3664.