Toronto’s Women’s Sports Scene Is Booming—Here’s Your Weekend Playbook
On May 8, 2026, the crowd at Toronto’s Coca-Cola Coliseum was on its feet. Burgundy and blue filled the stands as the Toronto Tempo tipped off for the first time—Canada’s first WNBA franchise. With 32 seconds left, the energy was electric. Young girls in team gear, veteran athletes sitting courtside, and a little blonde girl dancing on the Jumbotron all shared a moment that felt bigger than basketball. The Tempo lost that night, but no one walked away disappointed. They had witnessed history.
Toronto landed its WNBA expansion team in 2024, and it signaled something the city had been waiting for. The Raptors made basketball a local obsession, but the Tempo represents a shift. As the league’s first team outside the U.S., this isn’t just a win for Canadian hoops—it’s a milestone for women’s sports across the continent. And honestly, it’s overdue.
In the past three years, Toronto has become one of the most exciting cities for women’s professional sports. The Sceptres (PWHL) hit the ice in 2024, and AFC Toronto kicked off in 2025. That makes Toronto one of only three North American cities with pro women’s hockey, soccer, and basketball teams. Fans now spill out of arenas into restaurants and bars year-round, still in their jerseys, united by a shared feeling that this moment has been a long time coming.
Here’s how to plan a trip around it.
**Catch a Game** - **Toronto Tempo** (WNBA, spring–summer): Coca-Cola Coliseum. Expect packed crowds, DJ sets, and a high-energy vibe from tip-off to final buzzer. - **Toronto Sceptres** (PWHL, fall–winter): Same arena. Their fanbase is one of the most passionate in the league. You’ll lose your voice. - **AFC Toronto** (NSL, spring–fall): York Lions Stadium or BMO Field. Sunlit day games feel like a sporting event and a casual outdoor hangout rolled into one. - **National Bank Open** (women’s tournament, Aug 1–13): Sobeys Stadium. A chic way to spend a warm afternoon.
**Where to Stay** (Options available, but not detailed in original.)
**Where to Eat** - **Kiin**: Chef Nuit Regular’s refined Thai. Perfect for a celebratory post-game dinner. Try the tasting menu. - **Gusto 101**: Casual Southern Italian near the arena. Great for pre-game pizza or a post-game drink on the patio. - **Mandy's**: Grab-and-go salads and smoothies. The peanut satay bowl is a winner. - **Grey Gardens**: Jen Agg’s New North American spot. Ideal for a long dinner with good wine. The duck is exceptional. - **Adrak Yorkville**: Michelin Guide Indian cuisine with thoughtful service. Order the Rani Kachori.
**Where to Play** - **Paradise Grapevine**: Sunday Women’s Sports Nights with wine and projected games. Check their Instagram for Tempo watch parties. - **Her Game** (@hergame.to): A hub for women’s sports events and group outings. Great for solo travelers. - **Aga Khan Museum**: The “Game On!” exhibit (through Sept 7, 2026) explores sports, culture, and community. Don’t miss the chess and backgammon section.