The first playground officially branded “WNBA” was inaugurated this weekend in Toronto. It was the Don Mount complex, consisting of a full field and two half fields, at Joel Weeks Park, which was chosen for restoration. This now bears the logo and colors of the WNBA, with orange, turquoise blue and pink. Its design was entrusted to local illustrator Fiorella Granda, a former basketball player at the University of Toronto.
The operation was carried out in collaboration with the city, the NBA, the Dairy Farmers of Ontario and the Buckets & Borders association.
In pole position for expansion?
Although nothing was explicitly mentioned, this collaboration appears to be one step closer to an expansion of the WNBA that would include the city of Toronto. Last July, “commissioner” Cathy Engelbert confirmed that discussions were “on track” with cities and investors to increase the number of franchises. Toronto could therefore welcome the first Canadian franchise to join the WNBA…
Leah MacNab, vice-president of NBA Canada, recalled how successful the first WNBA game organized in Canada, in Toronto in this case, for a pre-season match last May, had been.
“We couldn’t have dreamed of a better reception for the first WNBA game in Canada from local fans, partners and the entire basketball community”, she pointed out.
The inauguration of this first WNBA version playground therefore seems like an additional step.
“This court symbolizes the passion and enthusiasm for basketball across Canada and we look forward to seeing members of the Rivertowne community use this court in the future.”concluded Leah MacNab.
Photo credit: City of Toronto
