Full Breakdown
Dallas Wings vs. Toronto Tempo Game Poised to Set Women’s Basketball Attendance Record in Montreal
6/24/2026, 1:35:21 AM
Record-Breaking Game in Montreal
On July 10, 2026, the Dallas Wings will travel to Montreal’s Bell Centre to play the Toronto Tempo as part of the Cross-Canada Series. The arena’s 22,114-seat capacity exceeds the current all-time women’s basketball attendance record of 22,076, set twice during WNBA playoffs (2003 Finals Game 3, Detroit Shock vs. Los Angeles Sparks; 2007 Finals Game 5, Detroit Shock vs. Phoenix Mercury). A sold-out crowd would set a new benchmark for the sport.
Historical Attendance Benchmarks
The postseason record of 22,076 was set at The Palace of Auburn Hills in 2003 and 2007. The regular-season record of 20,711 was set in 2024 when the Indiana Fever hosted the Washington Mystics at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C. In January 2026, Unrivaled drew 21,490 fans at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, the highest regular-season attendance to date. Together, these numbers show a steady rise in fan interest for women’s basketball across North America.
Teams, Venue, and Leadership
The Dallas Wings are a Dallas-based WNBA franchise, while the Toronto Tempo, a new Canadian WNBA team, leads the league’s expansion into Canada. The Bell Centre, Montreal’s primary indoor arena, can accommodate 22,114 spectators. Teresa Resch, president of the Toronto Tempo, has been vocal about the team’s Canadian identity.
Timeline of Attendance Milestones
- Jan 30, 2026 – Unrivaled draws 21,490 fans in Philadelphia.
- 2024 – Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics attract 20,711 at Capital One Arena.
- 2003 & 2007 – Postseason record 22,076 set at The Palace of Auburn Hills.
- July 10, 2026 – Dallas Wings vs. Toronto Tempo at Bell Centre (potential record).
- July 12, 2026 – Toronto Tempo vs. New York Liberty at Bell Centre (second series game).
Significance for Women’s Basketball and the Canadian Market
A new attendance high in Montreal would underscore the WNBA’s growing popularity in Canada, a market the league targets through the Tempo’s “Canada’s team” branding. A record crowd could attract sponsorship, media attention, and bolster arguments for future franchise expansion within the country.
Official Statements & Responses
The league’s schedule lists the July 10 matchup as part of the Tempo Cross-Canada Series and notes that a sold-out Bell Centre would set the all-time attendance record for women’s basketball. The series also includes a July 12 game against New York Liberty, reflecting the league’s commitment to expanding its Canadian footprint.
Verbatim Quotes
> “From the beginning, we’ve said we want to be Canada’s team, and bringing the WNBA to Montreal is an important part of that vision.” — Teresa Resch, President, Toronto Tempo
What’s Next
If the July 10 game reaches full capacity, the WNBA will officially recognize the new attendance record. The subsequent July 12 contest against New York Liberty offers a second opportunity to draw a large Canadian audience and further solidify the league’s presence in the region.
