🇨🇦🏀 Everything you need to know about the WNBA Canada Game

📖 The history

This exhibition game is an important step in the growth of women’s pro hoops, but it’s not the first time the W has crossed international lines. Back in 2004, Monterrey, Mexico, hosted the Detroit Shock (now the Dallas Wings) and San Antonio Silver Stars (now the Las Vegas Aces), and in 2011, the Atlanta Dream played Team Great Britain in Manchester, England. Pass the tea and crumpets buckets.

So, why the Great White North? In short, Canada’s a piping hotbed for basketball talent. And Canada’s not only supplying the goods, but fans are clearly hungry for some in-person viewing: the preseason tilt is completely sold out, meaning the Lynx and the Sky will be battling in front of over 20K fans. So much for “no one watches women’s sports.”

💪 Minnesota Lynx

There are three Canadians on Minnesota’s roster. The Lynx boast Team Canada’s scoring machine Bridget Carleton and rebounding queen Natalie Achonwa, plus they signed rookie Keishana Washington to a training camp contract last month. That said, given Achonwa announced her pregnancy in November, she’ll be cheering for her team from the sidelines.

The four-time champion Lynx are in a bit of a slump, finishing ninth last season and saying goodbye to WNBA legend Sylvia Fowles. But Minnesota didn’t waste any time in the offseason, snatching up collegiate All-American Diamond Miller with the No. 2 pick in the WNBA Draft. Only place to go is up, right?

👊 Chicago Sky

While there aren’t any Canadians on the Sky, there’s still talent aplenty to cheer for on this rebuilding squad. ICYMI, there was a mass exodus of stars from Chicago this offseason, including hometown legend Candace Parker, who helped bring the franchise their first championship back in 2021.

But that just means it’s up to Kahleah Copper, the Sky’s only returning star, to step up. Thankfully, the newly signed Courtney Williams will have her back, as well as 2022 All-Rookie standout Rebekah Gardner and former Dallas Wings star Marina Mabrey.

• Never count Chicago out. Head coach James Wade, the 2022 WNBA Executive of the Year, is not “planning on losing.” The Sky’s the limit.

📺 How to tune in

If you weren’t lucky enough to snag a seat, you can catch all the action live on Sportsnet andTSN at 4 p.m. ET.

• And if you’re looking for some swag to rock as you watch, check out the WNBA Goods, a list complete with limited-edition merch made by Canadian female entrepreneurs. Say less!