Ad agency New Media Group Partner & Creative Dir Daniel Escott and Managing Partner Max Abrahams have "launched a bid to bring a WNBA team to Toronto," according to Steven Loung of SPORTSNET.ca. Escott and Abrahams "admit they don’t have much experience launching a sports franchise, but believe they’ll be able to rely on their business acumen to get things off the ground smoothly." The bid is "expected to be presented to the WNBA for consideration before the end of this summer." There is "no involvement" with Raptors ownership group Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (SPORTSNET.ca, 6/24). Escott said it is the "right time" to bring the WNBA to Toronto with the Raptors winning the NBA Finals. He added, "We actually started working on developing our bid early April. ... The stars have seemed to aligned here." Abrahams said the timeline they are "pushing for" is spring '20. Abrahams: "Before that happens we’ll be attending the NBA summer leagues, looking at creating owner groups and finishing raising our fund. We’re actively seeking investments from angels, VC funds, family offices, past athletes, etc. to help make the bid happen." Escott said, "We’ve also had to consider a venue. We’re in talks with a number of places in Toronto" (THEGISTNEWS.ca, 6/24).
