Well, technically the first regular season game in Canada. But either way, I got completely soaked during my 48 hours in Vancouver in my effort to attend this historic event. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I started the day of the game with breakfast and a walk along the English Bay of Stanley Park. There were so many people out and about wearing various levels of rain protection. They were just going on about their day as if it was just another Friday in Vancouver. But it wasn't. This was the day of the first-ever WNBA game played in Canada. So, how was the back to back game between the Storm and the Dream? Why was Vancouver chosen for this “home game” for the Atlanta Dream? And what does the turnout and energy for this game mean for the Toronto Tempo?

Vancouver is just a stone's throw away from Seattle, so while this was technically in Atlanta Dream game it definitely didn't feel like it (especially after halftime and the score tied late in the game). Once Skylar Diggins hit the buzzer beater 3-pointer at the end of the 3rd quarter, you could feel the energy and momentum shift, even with Atlanta's surge in the 4th quarter. To be fair, there was a ton of love for Britney Griner specifically, but it was clear I was one of the few fans who made the trek from the South. Many of the folks I ran into at the Togethxr watch party were either Vancouver natives who have been longtime Seattle Storm fans, or folks from Seattle who came up for the game.

When Jordin Canada is not available and Rhyne Howard assumes the majority of her point guard duties, the flow of the Dream offense just feels different. Atlanta is also more likely to win when Allisha Gray scores at least 20 points, which she didn't do in this game. I'm not sure if it was the time difference or change in lineup, but Atlanta seemed a step slow. Seattle, on the other hand, clearly came to snap a 6-game losing streak. I was also a little surprised at the rotations in the second half from Atlanta. Naz Hillman was taken out of the game twice at the end of the last two quarters though she was doing well defending Nneka Ogwumike (which is no easy feat) and has proven to be a clutch player in close games. Atlanta lost by 2 points in an incredibly good match up and are still ranked number 2 at the time of writing this. I wasn't rooting for Seattle to lose, but I also wanted Atlanta to win, ya know?

Vancouver has never had a WNBA team, but they have had an NBA team, and you might recognize the name. The Vancouver Grizzlies played in the NBA from 1995-2001. Some fans even wore throwback jerseys to commemorate the occasion. It seems the city has struggled with keeping professional sports teams outside of hockey. They're getting a PWHL team this year, along with Seattle.

While Vancouver was chosen due to its proximity to Seattle, the next WNBA game in Canada will be played in Toronto. But the Toronto Tempo offered fans a parting gift — they will play two regular season games in Vancouver in 2026. And who knows, maybe Swin Cash and Tammy Sutton Brown will make repeat appearances. It was great seeing them at the game and having their careers and contributions recognized.

However, they weren't the only special guests in the building. Olly, Grubhub, Goldfish, Gatorade, Peace Collective, Maybelline, Toronto Tempo, Bell, and Endy all had brand activations in the arena as official WNBA partners. It really felt like fans got the VIP treatment. I heard from a few Vancouver residents that they were unable to get merch from certain American vendors due to shipping costs, and they weren't traveling to Seattle as much this season (if at all) in protest of our current administration. While this was unfortunate to hear, I'm willing to bet the Toronto Tempo will have a great inaugural season.

Who would you like to see the Tempo play next year in Canada?