As the inaugural season of the Toronto Tempo approaches, general manager Monica Wright Rogers is infused with excitement, marking a significant milestone in her basketball journey. The former WNBA champion, who has spent years observing the evolution of women’s basketball, is now at the helm of Canada’s first expansion franchise, set to tip off on May 8. Wright Rogers, who took on the GM role in February 2025, has been hard at work assembling a competitive team in one of the league’s most promising new markets.
Cultivating a New Era
Wright Rogers has embraced her role with enthusiasm, relishing the vibrant atmosphere of basketball practice after months of preparation. “I love the sounds of balls bouncing, players yelling, and coaches’ whistles,” she noted during a recent training camp interview. “It’s all part of something we didn’t have for a long time because we were in build mode. It’s been a long time coming to see this vision in person.”
Her journey to assembling a team has been multifaceted. With off-season activities stalled due to the delayed collective bargaining agreement between the WNBA and its players, Wright Rogers utilised this time effectively. She scoured Europe to observe potential players in various leagues and engaged their agents, selling them on the promise of pioneering a franchise in a fresh WNBA landscape. “Firsts are forever,” she emphasised, underlining the significance of the players she hopes to recruit.
The Path to Toronto
Wright Rogers’s ascent to the general manager position is a testament to her impressive career and dedication to the sport. Prior to her current role, she served as the assistant GM for the Phoenix Mercury, where her talents caught the attention of multiple teams. “Toronto blew me away during the interview process,” she recalled, citing her eagerness to work alongside team president Teresa Resch and the notable presence of tennis legend Serena Williams within the ownership group.
Resch highlighted Wright Rogers’s interpersonal skills when introducing her as GM, stating that her ability to foster relationships would be crucial in building the franchise from the ground up. As history shows, creating a successful WNBA team from scratch is no easy feat, but the Tempo is determined to make an immediate impact, taking inspiration from successful franchises like the Golden State Valkyries, who thrived in their debut season.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
The landscape of women’s basketball has evolved, and Wright Rogers is keenly aware of the changing dynamics. The current style demands players who are adaptable, able to contribute in multiple positions. With her knowledge of the game, she is focused on recruiting versatile athletes capable of excelling at various levels of play.
Wright Rogers’s basketball journey began in her youth, shaped by a military upbringing that required frequent relocations. After establishing her roots in Virginia, she emerged as a top talent in high school basketball before continuing her career at the University of Virginia. Drafted second overall by the Minnesota Lynx in 2010, she secured two championships and later played for the Seattle Storm before retiring in 2016. Throughout her career, she also advocated for player rights, serving as secretary-treasurer for the WNBA Players Association during a pivotal time for the league.
Now, she is witnessing the fruits of those efforts as the WNBA enters a new era of financial growth, celebrating the signing of Marina Mabrey and Brittney “Slim” Sykes as the league’s first million-dollar backcourt. “These players deserve it. They put in the work,” Wright Rogers remarked, reflecting on the significance of this moment for the league and its athletes.
A Unique Leadership Perspective
The Tempo’s coaching staff, led by Sandy Brondello, also comprises former WNBA players, creating a rare synergy that allows for a deeper understanding of the player experience. Rookie Kiki Rice, the team’s first draft pick, expressed her confidence in being guided by individuals who have walked the same path. “It’s a big advantage to be coached and led by former players,” she stated.
Wright Rogers is among a select group of former female players to take on a GM role in the league, a position that carries significant weight. “I felt I needed to step out and do it for the betterment of the whole ecosystem,” she said, acknowledging the importance of representation in leadership roles. Balancing her professional responsibilities with family life, she continues to inspire young athletes and pave the way for future generations of women in sports.
The Tempo’s preparations for the upcoming season are in full swing, with final roster decisions, player physicals, and work permits being organised in the lead-up to their first game. Reflecting on her own journey, Wright Rogers recently revisited footage of her WNBA draft night, a poignant reminder of her commitment to ensuring that players feel valued and supported in their professional ventures.
“Everything that stuck with me from being a player, I pull on those things in this job often,” she shared. “The goal is for this to be a great experience.”
Why it Matters
The establishment of the Toronto Tempo represents a pivotal moment in the landscape of women’s basketball, particularly in Canada. With Wright Rogers at the helm, the franchise embodies a commitment to empowering female athletes while reshaping the narrative around women’s sports. As they prepare to enter the league, the Tempo not only aims for competitive success but also strives to inspire future generations, highlighting the significance of representation and the pursuit of excellence in sports. The outcomes of their inaugural season may resonate far beyond the court, potentially influencing the growth of women’s leagues worldwide.
