A Vancouver-based investment group has unveiled ambitious plans to establish a new WNBA franchise in the city, aiming to attract significant funding to bring professional women’s basketball to the region.
Headed by retired executive Bill Bakk, the committee revealed its intentions on September 14th, following over a year of discreet preparation. The group intends to raise approximately 500 million Canadian dollars (around 350 million US dollars) to cover the franchise expansion fee as well as the costs associated with constructing a dedicated practice facility.
Venue and Facilities Under Consideration for Vancouver’s WNBA Bid
Should the bid be successful, home games would most likely take place at Rogers Arena, a 19,700-seat venue that currently hosts the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks. The arena has already demonstrated its capacity to support WNBA events, having hosted games over the past two seasons that attracted solid attendance.
As a secondary option, the group is considering Pacific Coliseum, the current home of the PWHL’s Goldeneyes. Additionally, the investment committee is exploring opportunities to develop a mixed-use training complex on government-owned land near the Coliseum to support the team’s operational needs.
Despite these promising developments, timing remains a significant challenge. The WNBA has announced expansion into Cleveland, Detroit, and Philadelphia by 2030, but has not confirmed any additional locations beyond those cities. Bakk’s group has set its sights on launching a Vancouver team by 2031, while remaining open to the possibility of an existing franchise relocating to Canada.