After setting attendance records in 2023 and 2024, Canada’s women’s basketball team is returning to Victoria, bringing a North American showdown with Mexico to the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre on Nov. 17.
This will be the third straight year Canada has played in the city.
In 2023, the team faced Japan in front of 4,600 fans, and last year, a record 5,015 spectators packed the Memorial Centre for Canada’s matchup with Portugal.
Michael Bartlett, CEO and president of Canada Basketball, said the city’s passion for basketball has made Victoria a must-stop for the team.
“Through our past training camps in Victoria, the community has shown an unmatched passion for women’s basketball,” Bartlett said. “Hosting W’Hoop It Up here not only gives our athletes a world-class environment to prepare in, but also inspires the next generation of Canadian players and fans."
The team is looking to bounce back from an 11th-place finish at the 2024 Olympics and build momentum towards the 2026 FIBA Women’s World Cup, and 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
While the full roster hasn’t been announced, some familiar faces could be in action, including Kia Nurse of the Chicago Sky, Bridget Carleton of the Minnesota Lynx, Aaliyah Edwards of the Washington Mystics, and Laeticia Amihere of the Golden State Valkyries.
Basketball in Victoria has been busy this year.
In August, the University of Victoria hosted a sold-out Pro-Am event at CARSA, and organizers hope the November matchup will draw even more fans while further cementing the city as a hub for women’s basketball.
“From Victoria to Toronto, these games represent more than just preparation – they’re a celebration of the incredible momentum behind Canadian basketball and the athletes who are all part of our path to the podium,” Bartlett said. “Our fans have been the heartbeat of this growth, and we can’t wait to share these moments with them again.”
Canada is currently ranked seventh in the world according to the FIFA rankings, while Mexico is 30th.
Tickets go on sale Oct. 17 at 9 a.m. at www.selectyourtickets.com.
