FanDuel has secured the first major iGaming and sportsbook sponsorship in the history of Canadian women’s basketball. The operator has been named the official partner of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s 14th franchise and the league’s first team established outside the United States.
Transformative Fan Engagement
The multi-year agreement focuses on deep fan integration and in-arena visibility at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, where the Tempo will open their inaugural season against the Washington Mystics on May 8. FanDuel plans to launch exclusive digital activations and fan initiatives designed specifically for the Canadian WNBA audience, capitalizing on the rapid growth of the women’s sports market.
Tom Burdakin, VP of Marketing at FanDuel, expressed his excitement for the launch:
“Partnering with the Toronto Tempo in their inaugural season is an exciting opportunity for FanDuel customers and basketball fans. As a company that shares the same passion for community and empowering women’s sports, we are proud to support a new franchise that will celebrate fans and elevate women’s professional sports in Canada.”
A Growing Portfolio in Ontario
Since the Ontario market launched in 2022, FanDuel has been a dominant force in local sports marketing, holding partnerships with the Raptors (NBA), Maple Leafs (NHL), and Argonauts (CFL).
Lisa Ferkul, Chief Revenue Officer of the Toronto Tempo, highlighted the deal’s significance:
“One word to describe this partnership is transformative. Welcoming FanDuel marks a significant milestone for our organization as we continue to build Canada’s first WNBA team and deepen fan engagement.”
Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, the Toronto Tempo represents a primary new vertical for Canadian bettors, with FanDuel positioned at the center of the franchise’s commercial strategy.
