When we asked last week for help in shaping the identity of Canada’s first WNBA team, we knew Canadians would rise to the challenge—we just didn’t expect how much. From online submissions and social media discussions to conversations in local bars, sports centres and the media, your response has been electric.
So thank you, Canada. We appreciate you.
We are beyond thrilled that you share our excitement and passion for bringing the WNBA to our country and that you want to be a part of the journey. We can’t wait to see this team take shape and hit the court. We want this to be Canada’s team and you have already made it feel like it is.
We’ve received submissions from more than 1,000 cities across the country, showcasing the diverse perspectives and creativity of fellow Canadians. While 64% of submissions were name suggestions, 21% were about team colours, and 15% were about personal stories and other sources of inspiration for our team’s identity.
“Your creativity could become a symbol of pride for Canadians everywhere.”
Some patterns in your name submissions have started emerging, too. Thirteen percent of your submissions included clawed animals (think Owls or Wolves), nearly 12% referenced the weather (such as Storm or Thunder), and 4% referenced Greek mythology.
There’s still a lot of time until August 28th though, so send in all of your ideas. Also, don’t forget that you can send in more than one submission, just like the one person who has already submitted 25 entries (you know who you are!).
What’s next?
We will soon release the first episode of our podcast featuring an in-depth interview with Teresa Resch, President of WNBA Toronto, about the business potential for women’s sports in Canada and unique opportunities and challenges in Toronto’s sports landscape. Each following episode will feature subject matter experts as they dive into specific components of this process and share wider dialogues and different perspectives.
You will also soon see a call for North American designers who want to be a part of this historic moment. We will be looking for talented people to help us create the perfect brand that embodies the spirit of our team and the vibrant diversity of our nation. So keep watch for those details, as your creativity could become a symbol of pride for Canadians everywhere.
Again, thank you for your enthusiasm and support, Canada. Together, we’re building something extraordinary for 2026 and beyond.
