The WNBA’s initiative to establish its first international team in Toronto is gaining traction, as the Toronto Tempo attract fans well beyond their home city. The franchise is poised to potentially set a new single-game attendance record during its upcoming games in Montreal, rather than Toronto.

As part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada Series, the team will play two games at Montreal’s Bell Centre, which can accommodate 22,114 spectators for basketball events. A sellout crowd there could surpass the existing WNBA playoff attendance record of 22,076.

“We’ve put the work in and we’re continuing to get better every game, so I think the support is going to continue,” said Tempo guard Marina Mabrey. Mabrey highlighted the growing enthusiasm and energy around the team throughout Canada, which she finds motivating as the Tempo strive to improve night after night.

The Tempo currently hold a 9-10 record, just under .500, bolstered by Mabrey’s standout individual performance. She is having an All-Star level season, averaging 21.2 points per game, ranking third in the league. Mabrey also captured attention on June 25 when she tied the WNBA single-game scoring record by posting 53 points in a win against Los Angeles. With the team’s series in Quebec approaching, she expressed eagerness to perform well and build a new fan base in Montreal.

“I haven’t been to Montreal, so I’m excited to see who shows up for that and for us,” Mabrey said.

Guard Kia Nurse is the sole Canadian player on Toronto’s roster. She anticipates strong support for the team, which features athletes from eight different countries and is guided by Australian head coach Sandy Brondello, a two-time WNBA champion.

The Tempo’s success in attracting fans across Canada reflects broader interest in professional women’s basketball in the country as the WNBA expands its footprint internationally. The upcoming Montreal games will be a key test of that momentum and could set new attendance benchmarks for the league.