The WNBA's historic night in Montreal: A record-breaking attendance and a thrilling game
The WNBA's presence in Montreal was a resounding success, with a record-breaking attendance of 20,996 fans at the Bell Centre. This achievement not only set a new regular-season record for the WNBA but also marked the first time a WNBA game was played in Montreal, and the first of four such games this season in different Canadian cities. The game between the Dallas Wings and the Toronto Tempo was a thrilling back-and-forth battle, with the Wings ultimately prevailing 108-95.
Paige Bueckers of the Wings was the star of the show, scoring 34 points, while Jessica Shepard and Arike Ogunbowale also contributed significantly. On the other hand, Marina Mabrey led the Tempo with 34 points, and Laura Juskaite added 25. The Tempo's loss extended their losing streak to four games, a disappointing start to their inaugural season.
The game was a showcase of the league's talent, with Bueckers and Mabrey trading shots in a third quarter that saw the lead change six times. The Wings pulled away in the fourth, outscoring the Tempo 24-10, with a key moment being Alysha Clark's shot with 6:41 remaining, which gave Dallas the lead for good. This shot was the ninth lead change in the second half, a testament to the game's competitive nature.
The attendance record is a significant achievement for the WNBA, and it highlights the growing interest in women's basketball. The league's previous record was set in Washington, D.C., in 2024, and the Bell Centre now holds the distinction of having the highest regular-season attendance in both the PWHL and WNBA.
This game was a significant step forward for the WNBA's expansion into Canada, and it will be interesting to see how the league continues to grow and develop in the region. The Wings' victory and the record-breaking attendance are a testament to the league's ability to engage and excite fans, and it will be fascinating to see how the league builds on this success in the future.
