Larry Tanenbaum reportedly pursuing WNBA expansion team without MLSE

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While it’s no slam dunk, the possibility of Toronto landing a WNBA team has seemingly gained some momentum.

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An exclusive CBC Sports report on Monday night said billionaire Larry Tanenbaum is in hot pursuit of a WNBA expansion team for the city.

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Tanenbaum — a minority owner and chair of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, which owns the NHL’s Maple Leafs, NBA’s Raptors, MLS’s Toronto FC, CFL’s Argonauts and AHL’s Marlies — is pursuing the team through his Kilmer Group holding company and without MLSE’s involvement, the outlet reported.

Citing an undisclosed source, CBC Sports said Tanenbaum’s group is expected to meet WNBA leadership to talk about the bid and an announcement could come as early as May.

Scotiabank Arena hosted a sold-out WNBA pre-season game in May 2023 and league commissioner Cathy Englebert said at that time that Toronto was on a short list of 10 cities being eyed for expansion.

Reports since then suggested that Edward Rogers, chair of Rogers Communications, which owns 37.5% of MLSE, opposed the bid.

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