In this episode of Bringing Home the W, we dive into the pride and symbolism behind the jerseys of Canada’s first WNBA team. Host Tanya Casole-Gouveia is joined by Canadian sports icons Natalie Achonwa, Natalie Spooner, and Jamaal Magloire to explore the significance of team identity and the honour of representing a nation. From the power of national pride to the emotional impact of jerseys, this episode offers a unique look at how Canada, the WNBA, and Toronto’s community are coming together to create something truly iconic.

[03:20] – Natalie Achonwa shares how a jersey embodies national identity

[07:05] – Jamaal Magloire discusses how a team’s colours and symbols can resonate so deeply with fans

[10:45] – Natalie Spooner reflects on the impact of seeing fans wear team jerseys and how it unites the community

[15:30] – Exploring the emotional connection between a player and their jersey, emphasizing its role in building team spirit

[19:55] – How each design detail represents Canada’s values and identity

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In this episode of Bringing Home the W, host Tanya Casole-Gouveia is joined by Dr. D’Wayne Edwards, founder of Pensole Lewis College and former Air Jordan lead designer, to explore the design principles in shaping the WNBA Toronto team's final identity. From evaluating cultural relevance to ensuring the emotional impact of the logo, this episode offers an exciting glimpse into how WNBA Toronto can craft a team identity that resonates with the city and its fans.

[04:15] – How fan submissions can shape a team’s identity

[08:45] – The importance of balancing creativity with practicality

[12:30] – How cultural relevance and emotional connection are key factors in selecting a name that resonates with fans across Toronto

[16:10] – Dr. Edwards on how the Air Jordan principles can influence the design process for the WNBA team’s name and logo

[21:50] – How the right team name can create a lasting bond with the fanbase

For updates on future episodes and to follow the journey of WNBA Toronto, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media.

WNBA Toronto Social Media: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

In this episode of Bringing Home the W, we get an inside scoop into the process of through fan-submitted names for Toronto’s new WNBA team. Hosts Tanya Casole-Gouveia and Josh McConnell are joined by Khaleed Juma from Mettle to explore the names that didn’t make the cut, revealing how cultural sensitivity, fan input, and design strategy drive the creation of a team identity. From filtering submissions to balancing creative challenges, this episode offers a peek into how the WNBA and Toronto are working together to shape a team that represents the city and its diverse community.

[03:45] - The importance of fan input in shaping the team’s identity

[07:10] - The need for inclusivity in the final name choice

[12:30] - The unexpected insights that emerged during the vetting process.

[16:55] - The marketing potential of a name

[21:40] - The emotional connection between fans and the team’s name

For updates on future episodes and to follow the journey of WNBA Toronto, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media.

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In this episode of Bringing Home the W, we dive into the exciting journey of naming Toronto's new WNBA team. Host Tanya Casole-Gouveia and co-host Josh McConnell are joined by TaJuan Watson, the NBA’s Affiliate Leagues Lead, and Dr. Ana Rita Morais, Design Mentor and Naming Criteria Vetting Lead, to unpack the complex process of creating a team identity that resonates with fans across Canada. From navigating legal considerations to ensuring cultural relevance and inclusivity, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how the WNBA, Canada, and the basketball community are all coming together to shape a team that truly represents them.

[5:06] - Key guardrails for naming a WNBA team

[8:04] - The components of a team name

[10:18] - Why an emotional response is crucial for a team’s success

[17:23] - The vetting process for name submissions

[22:34] - The marketing potential of a team name

For updates on future episodes and to follow the journey of WNBA Toronto, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media.

WNBA Toronto Social Media: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok

In this debut episode of Bringing Home the W, we kickoff the groundbreaking journey of establishing Canada’s first WNBA team. Host Tanya Casole-Gouveia welcomes Teresa Resch, President of WNBA Toronto, to explore how this historic expansion came to be, the significance of Toronto as the chosen city, and how the public is playing a vital role in shaping the team’s identity. If you're curious about sports branding, women's sports, or the behind-the-scenes process of launching a major franchise, this episode, and series, is for you!

Timestamps

[2:16] – Toronto WNBA team's branding journey

[8:45] – Building the team and fan base

[16:30] – Player insights and season preview

[22:00] – Community engagement initiatives

For updates on future episodes and to follow the journey of WNBA Toronto, subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and follow us on social media.

WNBA Toronto Social Media: Instagram | Twitter | TikTok