In a historic WNBA encounter, the Seattle Storm defeated the Atlanta Dream with a score of 80-78 in the first regular season game outside the United States, held at Rogers Arena in Vancouver before nearly 16,000 fans. Despite the Atlanta Dream being listed as the home team, the Vancouver fans supported the Seattle Storm, a team that played just 140 miles from where they faced each other last Wednesday.
The game broke the Storm’s six-game losing streak and ended the Dream’s six-game winning streak, both the longest streaks in the league.It was an incredible crowd tonight. First time in Vancouver, they showed a lot of love. We love coming here, playing in front of this electric crowd. I know it was a Dream home game, but it felt like a Storm home game. We really leaned on them tonight to help us secure that win.
Skylar Diggins, Seattle Storm player
The game had an electrifying atmosphere, with the fans showing their support for the Storm and the future WNBA expansion team, the Toronto Tempo, as well as the NBA’s Grizzlies. The Dream started the final quarter with a 16-2 run, erasing a Seattle lead that had reached as high as 15 points at the end of the third period. Atlanta took a five-point lead with 2:59 left, but the Vancouver crowd played a crucial role. Diggins scored seven of Seattle’s 13 points in the final quarter, and Ezi Magbegor was key on defense, recording the team’s three blocks.It honestly felt like a home game for Seattle.
Rhyne Howard, Atlanta Dream player
This historic match was not only important for the fight for playoff qualification, but also expanded the reach of the WNBA.Great Ezi blocks, great defensive stops from the group and we just grinded for this win. We’ve been like this the last few weeks, so it’s like the same routine, persevering in every moment.
Noelle Quinn, Seattle Storm coach
The Seattle Storm had already played in Canada the previous year, facing the Los Angeles Sparks in a preseason game in Edmonton.The atmosphere was great. I think the fans were really into the game and enthusiastic, so it was great to play in front of this crowd and in this stadium.
Brionna Jones, Atlanta Dream player
The WNBA will continue to expand in Canada, as the Toronto Tempo will join the league as an expansion team in 2026. During Friday’s game, Toronto team president Teresa Resch and general manager Monica Wright Rogers announced that the Tempo will play two regular season games in Vancouver next season.Edmonton also gave it last year. We are grateful to be in this region. For us, being able to play the international games in Canada and also being the first regular season international game, shows the growth of this league.
Nneka Ogwumike, Seattle Storm player
