As the Toronto Tempo gears up for their inaugural season in the WNBA, the excitement is palpable, even amidst the uncertainty of player acquisitions. With less than two months until their first game on May 8 against the Washington Mystics at Coca-Cola Coliseum, the team is diligently preparing for a transformative season, despite not yet having a roster in place. Teresa Resch, the team president, emphasised that while the absence of players may seem daunting, the organisation is far from idle.
Navigating the New Labour Landscape
The Tempo, along with fellow expansion team Portland Fire, is currently awaiting the conclusion of negotiations between the WNBA and its players’ union over a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA). The previous agreement expired on October 31, 2025, and both sides have been working tirelessly to hammer out a deal that aims to significantly enhance player salaries and revenue sharing.
Recent discussions, which resumed in person after months of virtual meetings, have intensified, with sessions lasting up to 15 hours each day. Key issues on the table include salary caps and the equitable distribution of league revenues. The growing popularity of the WNBA, fuelled by standout athletes like Caitlin Clark and A’ja Wilson, has amplified calls for players to receive a larger share of the financial pie.
Building the Foundation
Despite the uncertainty surrounding player signings, the Tempo’s operational staff has expanded to over 40 employees, all engaged in a whirlwind of preparations. Resch described the process as a thrilling yet intimidating experience, highlighting the myriad tasks that demand attention.
A significant milestone is the arrival of the team’s custom basketball court, a focal point of the renovations at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, which will also feature a new locker room. This historic venue, home to various sporting events, will serve as the backdrop for the Tempo’s first foray into the WNBA. The organisation is also establishing a practice facility at the University of Toronto, ensuring that the team has the resources needed to succeed from the outset.
Engaging the Community
The Tempo is not only focused on player acquisition but is also actively involved in community engagement. The team successfully sold out their season ticket memberships in December, a promising indicator of local support. Ticket sales for their Cross-Canada Series games are set to commence on March 20, with matches planned in Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Merchandise sales have also seen strong demand, with initial jersey offerings flying off the shelves.
In addition to their ticket and merchandise efforts, the Tempo is building relationships with local community groups and enhancing their social media presence to foster fan interaction. Resch noted that, despite not having players to showcase, the team has quickly become a significant player in the league’s engagement metrics.
The Road Ahead
With the top positions on the basketball operations side filled, including general manager Monica Wright Rogers and head coach Sandy Brondello, the Tempo is preparing for a fast-paced roster-building process. The majority of WNBA players are expected to enter free agency, complicating efforts to construct a competitive team in a condensed timeframe. Toronto’s scouts and coaches have been actively evaluating talent at various levels, including NCAA games and international competitions, to identify potential signings.
Resch remains optimistic about the team’s trajectory, stating, “Some days are better than others, for sure, but I think everybody is really excited to come to work every day. Because we’re building something that’s never been done before.”
Why it Matters
The Toronto Tempo represents a significant development in Canadian sports, marking the first WNBA franchise in the country. This initiative not only enhances the visibility of women’s basketball but also aims to inspire the next generation of athletes. The team’s creation comes at a pivotal moment for women’s sports, highlighting the ongoing struggle for equity in pay and opportunities. As the Tempo prepares for their debut, they embody the spirit of progress, setting a precedent for future franchises and illustrating the vast potential of women’s professional basketball in Canada and beyond.
