The WNBA is officially coming north of the border, and Toronto is ready to bring the noise. Meet the Toronto Tempo! Canada’s first-ever WNBA franchise and the league’s 14th team, set to debut in the 2026 season. With a name that already has fans talking and a city buzzing with anticipation, the Tempo is poised to make history.
The road to Toronto’s WNBA team began years ago, with growing support for women’s basketball in Canada and record-breaking crowds at exhibition games in Toronto and Montreal. Backed by Kilmer Sports Ventures, the bid was officially approved in May 2024, with the team slated to play at Coca-Cola Coliseum, just steps away from the city’s vibrant waterfront.
However, the team’s launch wasn’t without a few missed beats. When “Toronto Tempo” was unveiled as the official name in late 2024, the reaction was mixed. While the branding team pitched it as a nod to the rhythm of the city and the fast-paced nature of the game, some fans weren’t sold. Critics questioned whether the name accurately captured the spirit of Toronto basketball. Others poked fun online, comparing it to a fitness app or music streaming service. Despite the noise, the organization stood by the name. At the official launch in early 2025, the Tempo unveiled a sleek logo and bold plum purple and light blue colour scheme that has since won many skeptics over.
As the countdown to 2026 continues, excitement is growing. The Tempo will begin building its roster in 2025, and there’s hope that homegrown talent, like national team standouts or even future draft picks, will take center stage. With Toronto’s rich basketball culture and a strong base of support, the Tempo is positioned to make an immediate impact in the league.
Toronto’s tempo is rising. Are you ready to feel the beat?
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