How Toronto Became the First International Home for the WNBA in 2026
In short: In May 2026, the Toronto Tempo made history as the first WNBA franchise based outside the United States. Backed by a $50 million investment and a star-studded ownership group, the team launched to massive Canadian enthusiasm, setting new league attendance records while navigating the challenges of an inaugural season.
The path to Toronto’s WNBA entry began with a 2023 preseason exhibition game that drew a sellout crowd, proving the city’s appetite for women’s professional basketball. By May 2024, the WNBA officially approved the expansion franchise, which was spearheaded by billionaire Larry Tanenbaum. Despite a legal dispute between the Toronto Raptors and the New York Knicks—the only team to vote against the expansion—the project moved forward with unanimous support from the WNBA board of governors.
The Tempo’s ownership group is notably diverse, featuring figures like Serena Williams, Lilly Singh, and members of the Montreal Canadiens' ownership. The team’s front office, led by president Teresa Resch and general manager Monica Wright Rogers, faced the immediate task of building a roster from scratch. In April 2026, they participated in an expansion draft, selecting Julie Allemand as their first player, followed by a 2026 WNBA Draft class that included Kiki Rice.
The inaugural season was a mix of historic milestones and physical adversity. While Marina Mabrey achieved a league-tying 53-point performance in June 2026, the team struggled with a series of injuries to core players, including Brittney Sykes and Julie Allemand. Despite finishing with an 11–33 record, the Tempo’s impact was undeniable. They drew record-breaking crowds in Montreal and established a national footprint by playing games across Canada, including in Vancouver and at Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena.
Beyond the court, the Tempo’s launch was documented in the ESPN series Setting the Tempo, which captured the complexities of building a professional organization. As the team looks toward the 2027 draft lottery, they continue to operate out of the Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport, with plans for a purpose-built facility at Exhibition Place expected by 2028.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Toronto Tempo
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