THE Team

Our formal pursuit initiative began in June 2025. We represent a committed group of Vancouver basketball enthusiasts, with strong affiliations to a broader and wide-ranging network, who share the following belief: the Greater Vancouver community will embrace and support a WNBA franchise. Our goal is to make this belief a reality.

BILL BAKK

Bill Bakk, as leader of this pursuit, was formerly Senior Partner (retired) leading Deloitte Canada’s Financial Advisory business, serving subsequently as a Board member for Canadian corporate boards, and as an executive (retired) with the Vancouver Airport Authority. He also provided consulting services in the winning bid for the Vancouver Grizzlies.

Jodi evans

Vice Chair of Deloitte, former player on Canada’s Women Basketball team, competing in the 1996 Summer Olympics.

Kevin Hanson

Kevin Hanson is the fourth-winningest men’s basketball coach of all time in Canadian University history. He served as Head Coach of the UBC Thunderbirds 2000 to 2025 and led Team Canada’s men’s basketball team at four World University Games.  Prior to UBC he was head coach at Langara College from 1991-2000 winning National Championships in 1998 and 1999.  He was inducted into the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2025.

THERESA Hanson

Theresa is the current Athletic Director, Saint Martin’s University (NCAA); former Athletic Director, Simon Fraser; former player on Lewis-Clark State women’s basketball team; Team Canada Chef de Mission for 2013 World University Summer Games, Kazan Russia.

julie smulders

Julie is the COO at Willoughby Asset Management Inc. and founder of She’s Got Next, a professional women’s network. Julie is a former player on UBC basketball team and also competed internationally.

DAVID NELSON

An entrepreneur, Chairman of Nelson International and former player for UBC.

David cobb

Serving as a Special Advisor to our initiative is David Cobb, Managing Director The Jim Pattison Group. He contributes his valuable corporate business credentials, which include earlier senior management roles with the 2010 Winter Olympics, Vancouver Canucks and the Vancouver Grizzlies.