A WNBA regular-season attendance record was set on Friday at Montreal’s Bell Centre, where 20,996 fans gathered to watch the Toronto Tempo play the Dallas Wings. This figure surpasses the previous record of 20,711 set in 2024 at Washington, D.C.’s Capital One Arena, according to league data.
Montreal’s Record Crowd Signals WNBA Expansion Potential
The attendance of 20,996 at the Bell Centre demonstrates a surge in basketball interest in Montreal, a city that currently lacks its own professional women’s team. While the Toronto Tempo are Canada’s lone WNBA franchise, they positioned the game as a national event. Head coach Sandy Brondello stated the team is “taking the show on the road” to represent Canada and create “firsts” for the league.
The event’s scale suggests a viable market for a permanent Montreal presence. Tempo guard Laura Juskaite noted the quality of the arena and joked that the team might “move here” because of the crowd size, adding that having two teams in Canada would be an ideal scenario.
Dallas Wings Secure Victory Led by Paige Bueckers
Despite the record crowd, the injury-riddled Toronto Tempo lost 108-95 to the Dallas Wings. The Wings pulled away in the fourth quarter, outscoring Toronto 24-10 to end the game. This loss marked the fourth consecutive defeat for Toronto, their longest losing streak to date.
Dallas all-star and 2025 first overall draft pick Paige Bueckers led the scoring with a game-high 34 points, adding six rebounds and six assists. Dallas head coach Jose Fernandez described the atmosphere as “special for Canada” and a reflection of the WNBA’s current trajectory.
Toronto’s offense was led by Marina Mabrey, who scored 34 points, and Laura Juskaite, who contributed 25. Jessica Shepard added 20 points and a game-high 17 rebounds for Dallas (15-8), while the Tempo (9-13) struggled to maintain a lead they held after three quarters.
Strategic Growth of the Toronto Tempo Franchise
The Toronto Tempo are operating as an international squad, with players and coaches representing nine different countries. The team’s ownership group includes Montreal Canadiens owner and president Geoff Molson and alternate governor France Margaret Belanger, creating a direct link between the WNBA and Montreal’s established sports infrastructure.
To build a national footprint, the Tempo are playing four home games outside of Toronto during their inaugural season. Following the Montreal series, the team is scheduled to host the Portland Fire on Aug. 21 and the Las Vegas Aces on Aug. 23 at Vancouver’s Rogers Arena.
Attendance Comparison: WNBA Record Milestones
| Location | Attendance | Year | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Montreal (Bell Centre) | 20,996 | Current | New Record |
| Washington, D.C. (Capital One Arena) | 20,711 | 2024 | Previous Record |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who holds the WNBA regular-season attendance record?
The record was set on Friday at the Bell Centre in Montreal, with 20,996 fans attending the game between the Toronto Tempo and the Dallas Wings.
Does Montreal have its own WNBA team?
No, Montreal does not have a WNBA team. The Toronto Tempo are currently the only WNBA franchise in Canada.
Who was the top scorer in the Toronto vs. Dallas game?
Paige Bueckers of the Dallas Wings and Marina Mabrey of the Toronto Tempo both scored 34 points.
Where can the Toronto Tempo be seen next?
The Tempo continue their road series in Montreal against the New York Liberty before heading to Vancouver to host the Portland Fire and Las Vegas Aces in late August.
What do you think about the prospect of a Montreal-Toronto rivalry in the WNBA? Let us know in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more pro basketball updates.
