WNBA in Montréal 2026: Toronto Tempo vs Dallas Wings & New York Liberty at the Bell Centre
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Quick Answer:
Yes — the WNBA is coming to Montréal this summer! The Toronto Tempo (Canada’s first WNBA team) plays two regular-season games at the Bell Centre: July 10 at 7:30 PM vs the Dallas Wings and July 12 at 3:00 PM vs the New York Liberty. Tickets start at $25, kids are welcome, and the Bell Centre is stroller-friendly with family amenities. It’s a rare chance to see world-class women’s basketball live in Montreal.
What Is the WNBA Doing in Montréal?
In May 2024, the Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced its expansion into Canada, awarding Toronto an expansion team — the league’s first outside the United States. That team is the Toronto Tempo, owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures (Larry Tanenbaum, also Chairman of Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment). The Tempo began playing in the 2026 season as the WNBA’s 14th franchise.
As part of their inaugural season, the Tempo are playing two regular-season home games at the Bell Centre in Montréal — a deliberate move to grow the game across Canada, not just in Toronto.
Teresa Resch, President of the Tempo Basketball Club, put it clearly: “Montreal is an incredible basketball city, and we’re excited to bring the Tempo to Quebec as part of our inaugural season. Being able to play WNBA games at the Bell Centre and connect with the passionate basketball community in Montreal is a special moment for our organization and for the growth of the game in Canada.”
Game Details — Dates, Times & Opponents
Game 1: Toronto Tempo vs Dallas Wings
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Friday, July 10, 2026 |
| Time | 7:30 PM (doors open 6:00 PM) |
| Opponent | Dallas Wings |
| Venue | Bell Centre, 1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal The Bell Centre is metro-accessible via Lucien-L’Allier station. See our Getting Around Montreal guide for transit tips. |
| Tickets | Starting at $25 (group rates available) |
Game 2: Toronto Tempo vs New York Liberty
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, July 12, 2026 |
| Time | 3:00 PM (afternoon game) |
| Opponent | New York Liberty |
| Venue | Bell Centre, 1909 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal |
| Tickets | Starting at $25 (group rates available) |
Source: evenko.ca — Toronto Tempo vs Dallas Wings | Toronto Tempo vs New York Liberty | Tempo.wnba.com — Tickets On Sale
Tickets: Prices, Seating & Where to Buy
Tickets are available through evenko.ca and Ticketmaster.ca. Prices start at $25 per ticket, with group rates available for families and larger parties.
| Section Type | Approx. Price (incl. fees) | Family Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Upper Bowl (300 level) | $25–$40 CAD | Most affordable, good sightlines |
| 200 Level (Family Zone) | $45–$70 CAD | Near pre-game activities, kid-friendly concessions |
| Lower Bowl | $80+ CAD | Closest to the action |
Pro tip: The 200 level “Family Zone” seats are specifically recommended for families with kids — they’re close to pre-game activities and have concessions that cater to younger fans.
Where to buy:
- evenko.ca — Dallas Wings game
- evenko.ca — New York Liberty game
- tempobasketball.com — official team site
Is the Bell Centre Family-Friendly?
Yes — the Bell Centre is one of North America’s most family-friendly arenas. Here’s what to expect:
Stroller & Accessibility
- The Bell Centre is fully accessible with elevators and ramps throughout.
- Strollers are allowed but must be folded during the game (umbrella strollers recommended).
- Family restrooms with changing tables are available on every level.
- The 200 level has the most spacious concourses for stroller navigation.
Food & Concessions
- Standard arena food (hot dogs, pizza, poutine, popcorn) on every level.
- The 200 level Family Zone has kid-friendly options and shorter lineups.
- You can bring a sealed water bottle (check current Bell Centre bag policy before going).
Timing for Families
- July 10 (7:30 PM start): Evening game — good for older kids, but a late night for toddlers. Consider leaving after the first half.
- July 12 (3:00 PM start): Afternoon game — much better for families with babies and toddlers. Done in time for dinner.
Why This Matters for Montreal Families
This is a big deal for a few reasons:
- It’s historic. The WNBA has never played regular-season games in Montreal before. These are the first-ever WNBA games in the city.
- It’s world-class sport. The New York Liberty are one of the WNBA’s marquee franchises (2024 champions). The Dallas Wings feature top international talent. Your kids are seeing elite athletes at the peak of their sport.
- It’s growth for girls’ sports. If you have a daughter who plays basketball, this is a powerful “see it to be it” moment — professional women athletes playing at the highest level, in their own city.
- It’s affordable. At $25 a ticket, it’s competitive with a family movie outing, but a live arena experience.
What to Do Nearby with Kids Before or After the Game
The Bell Centre is in downtown Montreal, walking distance from several family-friendly spots:
Pre-Game (or post-game for the 3:00 PM Sunday game)
| Place | Distance | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Parcs Lucien-L’Allier | 5-min walk | Small green space, good for a pre-game leg stretch |
| Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MBAM) | 10-min walk | Family-friendly art activities, air-conditioned |
| Underground City (RÉSO) | Connected | Walk to food courts, shops, and hotels without going outside |
| Place Ville Marie Esplanade | 10-min walk | Open space, often has free summer activities |
Post-Game Dinner (for the 7:30 PM Friday game)
- Vieux-Montréal / Old Port (15-min walk or short metro ride): Casual family cafés, ice cream shops, and the riverfront promenade for a post-game stroll.
- Downtown peel Street: Family-friendly restaurants within walking distance of the Bell Centre.
For more summer 2026 events across the city, see our full Montréal Family Events Guide. For a week-by-week list of free and low-cost family events, see our Free & Budget Family Fun in Montréal: Best Events This Week — July 13–19 for July 13–19.
The Bottom Line
The WNBA’s Toronto Tempo playing two regular-season games at the Bell Centre is a rare and exciting moment for Montreal families. With tickets starting at $25, an afternoon game on Sunday July 12 that’s perfect for younger kids, and the chance to see the New York Liberty (2024 WNBA champions) live, it’s worth putting on the calendar.
Our pick: The July 12 afternoon game (vs New York Liberty) is the better choice for families with babies and toddlers — it starts at 3:00 PM, wraps up by 5:00 PM, and avoids the late-night bedtime disruption of the Friday evening game.
Whether your kids are basketball fans or just love the energy of a live arena crowd, this is a summer 2026 event that won’t happen again anytime soon.
Happy travels!
Warm regards,
Sara & Adam
Prices and game times may vary — please check current information at evenko.ca or tempobasketball.com before attending. Last updated: July 5, 2026.
