The Seattle Storm and Atlanta Dream made history on Friday by playing the WNBA’s first regular-season game in Canada. The matchup took place at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena and served as a preview ahead of the Toronto Tempo’s arrival next season. In front of an enthusiastic Canadian crowd, the Storm narrowly defeated the Dream 80-78, ending both teams’ six-game winning streaks and asserting Pacific Northwest dominance.
The game attracted a large, energetic audience, setting the stage for a competitive and physical battle. Seattle held a slight lead at halftime and extended it with a strong third quarter. However, Atlanta made a comeback, erasing a 12-point deficit to seize the lead with under five minutes to go. The teams battled down the stretch, with key free throws from Rhyne Howard and Skylar Diggins keeping the score tight. Ultimately, Seattle took the lead with just one minute remaining and held on, with Atlanta missing a final chance to tie the game as Howard’s shot bounced off the backboard.
This win was meaningful for Seattle, who had been struggling recently, losing eight of their last ten games, including several close contests. Diggins, who had underperformed in recent games, scored 21 points and dished out 11 assists, including a buzzer-beater at the end of the third quarter. Four other Storm players scored in double digits, including rookie center Dominique Malonga. For Atlanta, Howard led with 21 points, while Breona Jones contributed an 18-point, 10-rebound double-double. The loss was a disappointing end for Atlanta, who had been enjoying a strong season and held a 21-12 record heading into Friday.
Friday’s game concluded the Storm-Dream season series, which ended tied 2-2. Atlanta won their home game against Seattle earlier in the week, but the Storm took home the final victory. In other news, the WNBA revealed plans to grow its presence in Canada as it prepares to welcome its first international team, the Toronto Tempo, next season. The league announced that Tempo will play two games in Vancouver ahead of their debut in 2026, expanding the WNBA to 15 teams and planning additional franchises in Detroit, Cleveland, and Philadelphia by the decade’s end.
Fan Take: This historic Canadian game marks a significant step for the WNBA’s expansion into new markets, showcasing growing interest and fan support beyond the U.S. For fans, it signals exciting new opportunities and increased visibility for the sport, promising a broader, more diverse future for women’s basketball.
