The city of Montreal made history on Friday as it set a new attendance record for a regular-season WNBA game despite not having a team of its own. The Bell Centre witnessed a crowd of 20,996 fans showing their support for the women’s pro basketball league, even though the home team, the Toronto Tempo, faced off against the Dallas Wings.
The Tempo, being Canada’s sole WNBA team, are on a mission to represent the country on the basketball court. Montreal’s remarkable turnout demonstrated a surge of basketball enthusiasm in a city where the sport is gaining momentum. Despite a 108-95 loss to the Wings, the injury-plagued Tempo showcased their competitive spirit in front of the record-breaking audience.
The previous attendance record of 20,711 was set in Washington, D.C., in 2024. Head coach Sandy Brondello expressed the significance of the moment for the Tempo, emphasizing their role as Canada’s team and their commitment to expanding the WNBA’s reach across the country.
The game attracted a diverse fan base, with a mix of Tempo supporters and admirers of star players like Paige Bueckers from the Dallas Wings. Bueckers, the first overall pick in the 2025 WNBA Draft, delivered an impressive performance with 34 points, captivating the crowd with her skills on the court.
Brondello and her international squad, representing nine different countries, see their participation in the WNBA as a privilege and a chance to make Canada proud. The team’s ownership, including Montreal Canadiens owner Geoff Molson, highlights the growing interest in women’s basketball in Canada.
The game in Montreal not only showcases the WNBA’s appeal but also sparks discussions about the possibility of a permanent team in the city, hinting at a potential rivalry between Toronto and Montreal. The Tempo’s expansion season continues as they gear up to face the New York Liberty in another exciting match at the Bell Centre.
