Justin Trudeau roasts Gary Bettman in press conference today

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in Toronto today to help officially unveil the WNBA's newest franchise, expected to begin play at Scotiabank Arena in downtown Toronto in 2026.

Larry Tanenbaum, chairman and a minority owner of Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment, the Toronto sports giant that also owns the NHL’s Maple Leafs and NBA’s Raptors along with Toronto’s MLS and Canadian Football League franchises, is paying $115 million for the new WNBA franchise.

“Growing internationally, I’ve been trying to think through next steps on a global platform,” WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert told the assembled media. “It helps us reach new audiences and bring in new partners. The thing I love about going to another country is that the young girls and boys get to see professional basketball for women is important, too.”

Trudeau personally thanked commissioner Engelbert for her work in helping to bring this franchise to life and even made a crack comparing Engelbert to NHL commissioner Gary Bettman. Unprompted Trudeau quipped, "You're much taller than Gary Bettman... I'm really gonna like working with you!"

Check it out:

The Prime Minister's got jokes! Bettman catching strays at a WNBA press conference!

These are not two things that I thought I'd be witnessing on an otherwise nondescript Thursday morning. I'll take it though!