WNBA Makes Its Mark in Canada and Invites Fans to Show Its Love for Basketball

In celebration of the first WNBA game on Canadian soil, the league constructed a 12-foot-tall, larger-than-life WNBA logo sculpture to mark this historic game in Canada.  The campaign, titled “Signed, Toronto”, was launched leading up to the sold-out WNBA game in Canada. The sculpture travelled to different locations in downtown Toronto before being put on display for the game at Scotiabank Arena.  

Fans of all ages came out to mark this moment in history by adding their signatures to the sculpture.  Fans who signed this sculpture left with a WNBA Sharpie.  Fans also had the chance to win tickets to the sold-out game through daily giveaways courtesy of Tangerine, the WNBA’s first foundational partner in Canada. 

NBA Canada partnered with The Local Collective to bring this larger-than-life moment to Canada.  

“We're so proud to host the first WNBA Canada Game presented by Tangerine, showcasing the top women’s basketball players in the world and further inspiring young girls and women to play basketball. With the support of 19 partners, we engaged fans across the nation to mark this historic game. In Toronto, fans gravitated towards 'Signed, Toronto' WNBA logo sculpture, where fans could leave their mark on the celebration.” Says Leah MacNab, Sr. VP, NBA Canada.

“This is a monumental moment in Canadian sports, and we thought the only way you can properly celebrate it, is by creating a monument for the moment. Inviting fans and the athletes to sign this piece of history felt like the only way to really capture the excitement for this game.” Matt Litzinger, Founder, Chief Creative Officer

“We work with a lot of brands who impact culture in a significant way, and it’s so critical that authenticity shines through. Storytelling for the NBA is an amazing experience, and the strategy to get us here is grounded in those really intimate experiences, that helped us deliver this larger-than-life result” Litzinger continues.

The event drew huge crowds, with thousands of fans signing the statue. And had special moments with both the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx teams signing as well as a visit and signing from WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert.

The campaign comprised of an experiential weeklong activation, with digital and social assets during and post the historic game.