The Toronto Tempo made a resounding entrance into the WNBA on Friday night, captivating a sold-out crowd at Coca-Cola Coliseum. The inaugural game for Canada’s first WNBA expansion team may have been marred by a series of on-court challenges, but the atmosphere was electric, celebrating a pivotal milestone for women’s professional sports in the country. Despite falling short in a nail-biting contest against the Washington Mystics, losing 68-65, the event was a testament to the growing enthusiasm for women’s basketball in Canada.
A Night of Celebrations and Challenges
The Tempo’s debut was attended by notable figures from the sports world, including Canadian sprinting star Andre De Grasse, former NBA player Serge Ibaka, and football legends Christine Sinclair and Diana Matheson. With over 8,200 fans clad in white, each sporting a commemorative opening night T-shirt, the sense of unity and excitement was palpable. The evening began with a stirring poem from the city’s poet laureate, followed by an inspiring welcome from Kia Nurse, the team’s sole Canadian player, urging fans to make the Tempo’s arena the loudest in the league.
Head coach Sandy Brondello, now entering her 27th season in the WNBA, expressed optimism about the team’s future, noting the evolution of women’s basketball and the potential for growth in Canada. “The players are getting paid the right way, and the amount of people that love watching the WNBA… it’s a real movement. It may be even bigger in Canada, because we are Canada’s team,” she remarked, hinting at the burgeoning support for women’s sports in the nation.
The Game Itself: A Learning Experience
The match itself was a mixed bag as both teams struggled to find their rhythm. Brondello fielded a starting lineup rich in experience, featuring Marina Mabrey, who emerged as the game’s leading scorer with 27 points. The Tempo’s first-ever regular-season basket came from Brittney Sykes, affectionately known as “Slim,” with a smooth 16-foot jumper. However, the team exhibited growing pains, managing only 10 assists throughout the game while both clubs shot a dismal 20% from beyond the arc.
Despite the lack of fluidity on the court, the players remained determined. “Sad that we didn’t win the game. Didn’t close it out, but the fans were fantastic,” Brondello commented post-game. Her sentiments were echoed by Mabrey, who credited the crowd for their unwavering energy, stating, “They carried us energy-wise. New team, we’re trying to figure it out, and having them back us up really helps.”
Honouring a Legacy
Among the spectators was Sylvia Sweeney, a significant figure in Canadian basketball history, who captained Canada during the debut of women’s basketball at the 1976 Montreal Olympics. Sweeney reflected on the current moment, recognising the importance of the Tempo in elevating women’s sports. “With that consciousness, you get a groundswell of why nots,” she said, referring to the growing recognition of women athletes in Canada. Sweeney, who played a role in bringing the Toronto Raptors to the city in 1995, expressed pride in the current leadership’s vision for the Tempo and their commitment to fostering a legacy in women’s basketball.
Nurse also spoke passionately about the impact the Tempo could have on future generations, emphasising that in 10 to 15 years, many young women on the national team will likely identify as “Tempo kids,” having been inspired by the team’s inaugural season and its efforts to elevate women’s sports in Canada.
The Tempo will look to learn from their first outing as they prepare for their next game, scheduled for Wednesday against the Seattle Storm, where they aim to channel the lessons from their debut into a more cohesive performance.
Why it Matters
The Toronto Tempo’s debut represents a transformative moment not only for women’s basketball in Canada but also for women’s sports as a whole. As the first WNBA team in the country, the Tempo’s presence is set to inspire a new generation of athletes, fostering a culture of inclusivity and empowerment. This expansion strengthens the narrative that women’s sports deserve equal recognition and support, paving the way for future growth and success. The Tempo’s journey will be closely watched, and their impact could resonate far beyond the basketball court, igniting passion and investment in women’s sports across Canada.
