The Toronto Tempo, the WNBA’s newest franchise, has officially commenced its inaugural training camp at the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport. With Canadian basketball star Kia Nurse leading the roster, excitement is palpable as the team gears up for its first season. Nurse, who inked a deal with the Tempo earlier this month, is poised to make history as the first Canadian player to don the Tempo colours, bringing a wealth of experience and a strong sense of national pride to the court.
A New Era in Canadian Basketball
On Sunday, the atmosphere at the University of Toronto was electric as players donned Tempo-branded pinnies, echoing the sounds of sneakers on the hardwood and the motivation of coaches in the background. This marks a significant chapter in Canadian sports history, as the Tempo joins the league alongside the Portland Fire. The team has been meticulously crafting its roster, having selected 11 players in the expansion draft and adding four more during the 2026 draft.
Among the new recruits is Nurse, a seasoned guard and 2019 WNBA All-Star with a career average of 8.9 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. The Hamilton native shared her enthusiasm for joining the Tempo, stating, “It felt like the right time to join Canada’s first WNBA franchise.” Her leadership will be crucial as the team seeks to establish a competitive identity.
Rookies Ready to Shine
The Tempo’s roster features promising talent, including Kiki Rice, the team’s first-ever draft pick who recently clinched a national championship with UCLA. At just 22 years old, Rice impressed with averages of 14.9 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 steals during her final collegiate season. During her first practice, she remarked on the bustling energy in Toronto, saying, “I had a long phone call with my aunt and uncle, my uncle is Canadian, and they lived here for a few years. It was them telling me the lay of the land, but so far it’s really great.”
Both Rice and Nurse are embracing the unique experience of being part of an expansion team. The absence of familiarity creates a fresh dynamic within the squad, as Nurse noted, “Everything is new, all the players are new, a lot of the staff members are new – some of them are new to the W.” She emphasised the excitement surrounding the opportunity to build something special in a country that has long awaited a professional women’s basketball franchise.
Building a Winning Culture
Tempo head coach Sandy Brondello is keenly aware of the significance of this moment for Canadian sport. “If you can see it, you can be it,” she stated, highlighting the importance of role models for young girls across Canada. Brondello’s focus during the initial training camp days is on fostering a strong team culture, integrating play principles, and evaluating the players’ strengths and characteristics.
With the home opener set for May 8, the Tempo is determined to create a lasting impression on the basketball community. Nurse expressed her gratitude for being part of a legacy that includes pioneering Canadian players like Tammy Sutton-Brown, Stacey Dales, and Natalie Achonwa. “I hope that one day when people start to mention those names, that my name is also in there with it,” she reflected. “This one might be the coolest.”
Why it Matters
The establishment of the Toronto Tempo is a landmark event for women’s basketball in Canada, heralding a new era of professional sports for aspiring female athletes. As the only WNBA franchise in the country, the Tempo not only aims to compete at a high level but also to inspire the next generation of players. The visibility and success of this team could significantly impact the growth of women’s sports in Canada, empowering young girls to pursue their dreams on and off the court. As the Tempo prepares for its inaugural season, the hopes and dreams of a nation rest on their shoulders, and the journey towards building a legacy begins now.
