Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned herself playing professional basketball in Canada. However, this season, she finds herself with the opportunity to do so.
“It’s surreal,” expressed Portland Fire’s forward before their match against the Toronto Tempo in Vancouver. “I would never have imagined this while growing up in Canada.”
Carleton was fortunate as her mother was aware of the Detroit Shock, and they even crossed the border to watch some games. Nonetheless, the WNBA largely remained out of reach for her.
“We didn’t get to watch it on TV,” she recalled. “It’s mind-boggling that at 29, I’m playing in Canada in a WNBA game. It’s amazing that kids now have this as an aspiration in Canada. It’s remarkable how much the league has progressed in both America and now in Canada.”
At the game, an audience of 12,414 witnessed the Tempo (11-25) stage a comeback from a 13-point deficit to triumph over the Fire 82-79, ending Toronto’s 12-game losing streak.
The support from the crowd provided an additional boost for the Tempo, noted center Isabelle Harrison. “It felt great. I felt like we had the momentum on our side because of the fans present. Canada really came out for us today.”
Portland (15-21) initially took the lead, with Carleton contributing nine points within the first six minutes. However, Toronto fought back and tied the score at 44-44 by halftime.
Excitement peaked in the third quarter when Harrison powered through traffic for a layup, giving Toronto a 58-53 lead. She remarked, “Since coming here, I’ve been told they appreciate tough basketball players. They truly love basketball here. My primary focus is on my team, playing hard for them but also ensuring the crowd has something to cheer for. They showed up for us today.”
The noise level inside Rogers Arena was so intense that Tempo’s head coach, Sandy Brondello, had difficulty communicating with her team. “We felt the support. It was even challenging for me to speak during some timeouts due to the loud cheers. I’m pleased the fans got to witness our performance. We are Canada’s team, and they are behind us.”
The game was part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, where Toronto played two games at Montreal’s Bell Centre in July. The first game, a 108-95 loss to the Dallas Wings, set a record attendance of 20,996 for a WNBA regular-season match.
According to Brondello, traveling across the country is an essential aspect of the Tempo’s identity. “We aim to attract more fans, showcase the essence of the Tempo, and elevate these players into household names. Hopefully, we can gain more new fans, not just for the Tempo but for the WNBA.”
Brondello, with 27 seasons in the WNBA either as a player or coach, acknowledged the challenges of bringing an expansion team to Canada but also highlighted the positive evolution of women’s basketball. “Our league has expanded significantly. We faced early expansions that were not ideal. However, this was the right time. The level of sponsorship, attention, and visibility we receive is extraordinary. Every new city visit is an opportunity. We are a global game, and Canada is contributing to the growth and enhancement of the sport.”
The Tempo will remain in Vancouver for the weekend, organizing a fan festival on Saturday before facing the Las Vegas Aces at Rogers Arena on Sunday. Toronto guard Brittney Sykes emphasized how the trip exemplifies the league’s recent growth. “Experiencing the fandom, engagement, and expansion we are witnessing is remarkable. Having a team in Canada was unimaginable for me, and now it’s a reality. I hope we continue to provide an excellent product for young girls and every child to believe they can reach the next level.”
Carleton expressed the profound impact of watching WNBA games in Canada on future generations of basketball players nationwide. “Having professional women athletes compete so close to home opens up endless opportunities. You don’t need to limit your dreams,” stated the two-time Olympian. “The ability to see and believe in yourself is crucial. As a child, I would have cherished this opportunity. Now, I am honored to be that inspiration for someone else. Having professional women’s sports in Canada is a dream realized.”