In a momentous occasion for women’s professional sports in Canada, the Toronto Tempo made their debut in the WNBA on Friday night at the Coca-Cola Coliseum, captivating a sold-out crowd of 8,210 fans. While the game against the Washington Mystics may not have been a masterpiece—ending in a narrow loss of 68-65—the atmosphere was electric, with a host of sporting luminaries, including Olympic sprinter Andre De Grasse and hockey legend Christine Sinclair, cheering on the team.
A Night of Celebration
The inaugural game was not just a sporting event; it was a celebration of women’s basketball in Canada. Dressed in white, fans received commemorative T-shirts, adding to the festive spirit. The night began with a stirring performance from a local poet laureate, setting the tone for an evening steeped in celebration and hope. Kia Nurse, the team’s only Canadian player, took centre stage, rallying the crowd to make the Tempo’s home ground the loudest venue in the league.
“We have long deserved a WNBA team,” Nurse declared, igniting a fervour among the fans.
As the game unfolded, Toronto’s new head coach Sandy Brondello, who has spent 27 seasons in the WNBA as both player and coach, expressed optimism for the future. “The evolution of the WNBA over the last 30 years is remarkable. This is a real movement, with sponsors getting behind us. It may even be bigger in Canada because we are Canada’s team,” she stated confidently.
Learning Curves and Growing Pains
Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the Tempo faced their fair share of challenges on the court. Brondello fielded a starting lineup featuring seasoned WNBA players, including Marina Mabrey, who led all scorers with 27 points. The team struggled with communication and cohesion, managing only 10 assists throughout the match.
“Sad that we didn’t win the game. Didn’t close it out, but the fans were fantastic,” Brondello reflected post-game. “It was a very ugly game. Hopefully, we get way prettier than that as we move forward.” Mabrey echoed this sentiment, recognising the crucial support from the crowd. “They carried us energy-wise. We’re trying to figure it out, and having them cheer for us helps us feel like we’re getting somewhere,” she said.
Honouring the Pioneers of Women’s Basketball
The game also paid tribute to the trailblazers of women’s basketball in Canada. Sylvia Sweeney, who captained the national team during its Olympic debut in 1976, attended the event, sharing insights on the historical significance of the moment. “With that consciousness, you get a groundswell of why nots,” she remarked, reflecting on the progress made over the decades.
Sweeney, a key figure in bringing the Toronto Raptors to the city in 1995, expressed her pride in the Tempo’s emergence. “Teresa Resch and Larry Tanenbaum have the acumen and the vision. I’m proud of them for having the temerity to write the cheque,” she stated, emphasising the importance of legacy.
Kia Nurse has been vocal about the need for a robust women’s basketball representation in Canada, pointing out that while the men’s national team boasts NBA players, the women’s squad lacks similar depth. “In 10 to 15 years, you’re going to see all these young women on the national team, and when you ask them about their love for basketball, they’ll say they’re Tempo kids,” she predicted, highlighting the potential for the new franchise to inspire future generations.
Looking Ahead
The Tempo’s journey is just beginning. Their next challenge awaits on Wednesday as they face the Seattle Storm at home. While the first game showcased both the excitement and the hurdles of establishing a new team, it also laid the groundwork for what could become a transformative era in Canadian women’s basketball.
Why it Matters
The Toronto Tempo’s debut is more than just the launch of a new sports franchise; it signifies a monumental shift in the landscape of women’s athletics in Canada. As the WNBA expands its reach, the Tempo stands at the forefront of a movement that could inspire young female athletes across the nation. By cultivating a strong fan base and supporting local talent, the Tempo has the potential to elevate women’s basketball to new heights, fostering a legacy that will resonate for decades to come.
