Justin Trudeau takes shot at NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman
Yesterday, the WNBA made history by formally welcoming Canada's first-ever WNBA club to Toronto. With superstar Caitlin Clark at the helm, the WNBA is experiencing a surge in interest. The megacity in Canada is expecting that the recent boom in the league would help it.
Several famous people attended the occasion, including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who gave a speech introducing the expanded franchise.
To lighten the mood, Trudeau chose to tell a joke to start his opening comments. In reference to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's diminutive stature in comparison to WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, he made a joke.
«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.»
Mayor Olivia Chow of Toronto and Premier Doug Ford of Ontario have expressed 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 |
Will you attend any WNBA games? |
Yes, excited for the future of the league | 1 | 3.1 % |
No, wasn't interested before and same stance now | 18 | 56.3 % |
I don't like basketball | 13 | 40.6 % |
List of polls |
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Previously on HockeyUnplugged