Growing up in Chatham, Ontario, Bridget Carleton never envisioned a career in professional basketball in her home country. This season, the opportunity has presented itself.
“It’s like a dream,” expressed the Portland Fire forward prior to her team’s match against the Toronto Tempo in Vancouver. “As a child growing up in Canada, I could never have fathomed this.”
Carleton was fortunate as her mother introduced her to the Detroit Shock, leading them to attend games across the border. However, access to the WNBA remained limited.
“We didn’t have televised broadcasts,” she recalled. “To now be 29 years old, playing a WNBA game in Canada, is unbelievable. The fact that Canadian kids have this inspiration is incredible, showcasing the growth of the sport not only in America but also in Canada.”
In a thrilling encounter, an audience of 12,414 witnessed the Tempo (11-25) mount a comeback from a 13-point deficit to defeat the Fire 82-79, breaking Toronto’s 12-game losing streak.
Centre Isabelle Harrison credited the supportive crowd for boosting the Tempo’s performance, stating, “The fans’ presence gave us an extra edge. Canada really rallied behind us today.”
Portland (15-21) surged ahead early, partly due to Carleton’s nine points within the first six minutes. Toronto fought back, equalizing the score at 44-44 by halftime.
The crowd erupted during the third quarter when Harrison powered through traffic for a layup, propelling Toronto to a 58-53 lead.
“I’ve learned that they appreciate hardworking players here. The passion for basketball is evident,” Harrison remarked. “My priority is always my team, playing with determination for them. But it’s equally important to give the crowd something to cheer for. They truly supported us today.”
The atmosphere at Rogers Arena was deafening at times, with Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello struggling to communicate amidst the noise.
“We felt the overwhelming support,” she acknowledged. “The crowd made it challenging for me to communicate during timeouts. I’m delighted that the fans witnessed our performance. We represent Canada, and they stand behind us.”
Friday’s game marked part of the Tempo’s Cross Canada series, which included matchups at Montreal’s Bell Centre in July, setting an attendance record of 20,996 for a WNBA regular-season game.
Brondello emphasized that traveling across Canada is integral to the Tempo’s identity, aiming to expand the fan base and elevate the players’ profiles.
“We are striving to attract new fans, not just for the Tempo but for the WNBA as a whole,” she stated.
With 27 years of experience in the WNBA as a player or coach, Brondello acknowledged the challenges of bringing an expansion team to Canada but celebrated the evolution of women’s basketball.
“Our league has undergone significant growth,” she reflected. “The timing was right for this expansion. The sponsorship, visibility, and global reach are remarkable. Every new city we visit presents an opportunity. Canada is contributing to the sport’s growth and enhancement.”
The Tempo will continue their stay in Vancouver, hosting a fan festival before facing the Las Vegas Aces at Rogers Arena on Sunday.
Toronto guard Brittney Sykes highlighted the league’s recent growth, emphasizing the increasing fan support and expansion.
“Experiencing the fan base, the engagement, and the growth is remarkable. Having a team in Canada was unimaginable for me, but now it’s a reality,” she expressed.
“I hope we continue to deliver a top-notch product for aspiring young players, inspiring them to believe they can reach the highest levels.”
Carleton emphasized the significant impact of watching WNBA games in Canada on future generations of basketball players nationwide.
“Having professional female athletes compete so close to home opens up endless possibilities. There are no limits to your dreams,” stated the two-time Olympian.
“The key lesson is that what you see, you can achieve. As a child, I would have cherished this opportunity. Now, it’s an honor to be that inspiration for someone else. Witnessing professional women’s sports flourishing in Canada is a dream realized.”