Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Chirps Gary Bettman
The WNBA had a historic announcement yesterday, officially welcoming Canada's first-ever WNBA team to Toronto. The WNBA is enjoying some peak attention, led by superstar Caitlin Clark. Canada's mega city is hoping to benefit from the league's recent surge.
There were many celebrities at the event, with the Prime Minster of Canada Justin Trudeau being one of the speakers on hand to introduce the expansion franchise.
To begin his opening remarks, Trudeau opted for a joke to get the crowd warmed up. His joke was aimed at NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman for his lack of height compared to the height of WNBA commissioner Cathy Engelbert.
«You're much taller than Gary Bettman I'm really gonna like working with you!»
Trudeau told Engelbert.«As a Montrealer, it does pain me to say that Toronto is such an incredible sports city Through thick and thin, through heartbreak and triumph and heartbreak, Torontonians consistently demonstrate their passion, their commitment, and their love for professional sports,» Trudeau also said during his remarks. «I am proud to be part of a country that uplifts women in sport.»
Ontario Premier Doug Ford and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow added in their support for the new franchise in Toronto.
«Bringing a WNBA team to Toronto represents an important milestone for our league as we continue to expand both domestically and outside the United States,» said Engelbert in a statement. «With Larry Tanenbaum's distinguished record of leading successful sports franchises and Toronto's appeal as a dynamic, diverse city that cares deeply about the game of basketball, we are confident that this new team will thrive as a first-class WNBA organization and become a great source of inspiration and support for the Toronto-area community and across Canada.»
| POLL | ||
MAI 24 | 220 ANSWERS Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Chirps Gary Bettman Will you attend any WNBA games? | ||
| Yes, excited for the future of the league | 11 | 5 % |
| No, wasn't interested before and same stance now | 133 | 60.5 % |
| I don't like basketball | 76 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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