HER GAME TORONTO

HGT x Casey Campbell

If there were still any doubts about whether Toronto was ready for a WNBA team, the first month of the Toronto Tempo’s inaugural season has put them to rest. At 7-5 through their first 12 games, the Tempo have quickly established themselves as one of the most exciting stories in the league. An expansion team was always going to face growing pains, but Toronto has already shown it can compete with anyone on a given night and the city has embraced them from day one.

A Historic Start

The Tempo have already checked off several milestones in franchise history. Earlier this season, they secured the first win in franchise history, and on Wednesday night they added another memorable moment: the first overtime game and first overtime win in team history. Toronto erased a 14-point deficit before defeating the Connecticut Sun 106-102 in a thrilling Commissioner’s Cup matchup at Coca-Cola Coliseum.

Leading the charge was Brittney Sykes (Slim). Slim matched a career-high 38 points while adding three triples and a perfect 13-for-13 performance from the free throw line. When the Tempo needed someone to take over, Sykes delivered. Marina Mabrey added 21 points, while Laura Juškaitė chipped in 19 as Toronto picked up its fourth win in five games.

Records, Milestones, and a Team Finding Its Identity

From the beginning, this team has been built to make history. Before the season even tipped off, Toronto made headlines with major roster moves and a commitment to building a competitive team from day one. While many expansion franchises take years to find their footing, the Tempo have shown they belong in the conversation right now. On the court, that identity is becoming clearer every game.

Sykes has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic guards, Marina Mabrey continues to provide scoring and leadership, rookie Kiki Rice had been dominant before her injury, flashing early-season brilliance for the Tempo, and veterans like Isabelle Harrison and Julie Allemand have helped provide stability for a roster that continues to grow together.

Most importantly, this group is proving they can win in different ways. They’ve won close games, battled through adversity, and now have a comeback overtime victory on their résumé. For a first-year franchise, that’s an encouraging sign.

Toronto Is Embracing the Tempo

The excitement around the Tempo extends far beyond the court. Across the city, fans have embraced Toronto’s newest professional sports team from day one. From growing crowds at Coca-Cola Coliseum to watch parties and community events, it’s clear that the appetite for women’s basketball in Toronto is stronger than ever.

At Her Game Toronto alone, more than 300 fans have attended our two Toronto Tempo watch parties this season, a reflection of the excitement surrounding the team’s inaugural campaign and the growing women’s basketball community in the city. As a first-year franchise, that’s a remarkable foundation to build on.

HGT X Nina Fedai

What’s Next?

The Tempo return home on June 14 for a matchup against the Atlanta Dream, another opportunity to continue building momentum in front of their home crowd. If recent performances are any indication, fans should expect an exciting contest between two talented teams.

For Toronto, every game is another opportunity to write a new chapter in franchise history. For fans, it’s another chance to be part of a movement that is growing larger by the week. Twelve games into their inaugural season, the Toronto Tempo have already delivered unforgettable moments, record-setting performances, and a reason for the city to believe.

The scary part? They’re only getting started.

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