As much as the CBA talks took time for finalization, the Toronto Tempo coach, Sandy Brondello, voiced her concern over the delayed WNBA 2026 schedule release amid stalled free agency. But as soon as the franchise had its first player via the expansion draft, it acted faster. The side even selected rookies like Kiki Rice, Teonni Key, Saffron Shiels, and Charlisse Dunn to fill every position in the team.
While the team lost both preseason games, the players gained vital experience in the league, and the rookies got a taste of pro-level games. Teonni Key even spoke about her welcome to the WNBA moment.
Teonni Key With ‘Welcome To The WNBA’ Moment
The Toronto Tempo took a strategic step with its selections in the expansion draft. Although the franchise addressed many key positions, they took the best options available in the WNBA draft, too. With four players taken in the draft, the team maintained a balance of veteran star power and young, promising talent.
The former Tennessee Wildcats star played in 18 minutes in the opening game against the Sun team, and playing against Brittney Griner was an eye-opener for her. “In the very first game, they put me in guarding BG. Wow, you know. Yeah, it was a very humbling experience. Yeah, the first game was like a welcome to the WNBA moment for me. I will never forget that.”
Teonni Key credits @brittneygriner for her ‘ Welcome To The WNBA’ moment. pic.twitter.com/NSZZ1756I2
— Hoop There It Is (@HoopThereItIs__) May 7, 2026
The 2021 All-American had been a decent defender during her college career, but playing against an eight-time All-Star and former champion was a massive task for the rookie. While BG played ‘soft’ against the expansion team, she delivered a strong performance against the New York Liberty team, showing her capability and shutting down all the critics.
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As for the franchise, though, the rookie might be a backup forward in the games with a strong lineup starting for them. The side will play its first game against another rookie-dependent team, the Mystics.
Toronto Tempo Looking For Impressive Debut Season With Mix Of Veterans And Rookies
The 2026 Toronto Tempo enter their inaugural WNBA season designed for immediate competitiveness rather than a slow rebuild, spearheaded by head coach Sandy Brondello’s space-and-pace system. The roster boasts a legitimate “Big 2” in perimeter scorers Brittney Sykes and Marina Mabrey, who provide veteran leadership and reliable double-digit scoring.
Introducing your 2026 Toronto Tempo opening day roster.
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) May 7, 2026
History starts here. 🤝
Marquee Moments presented by Sephora Canada pic.twitter.com/GbQvjif6W9
With additional experience from guards Kia Nurse and Julie Allemand, the Tempo aims to be highly competitive, with a realistic goal of battling for a playoff spot in their debut year, likely aiming for a mid-table finish in the Eastern Conference or a close battle for the final postseason berths.
Teonni Key, drafted 22nd overall from Kentucky, is poised to make an immediate impact as a high-motor forward. Standing at 6-foot-4, her athleticism and shot-blocking ability add crucial defensive versatility to the frontcourt. Leading the SEC in blocks and her rebounding ability, Key offers the physicality necessary to handle WNBA frontlines.
Combined with her surprising perimeter handling, she projects as a versatile asset off the bench who can shift to starting duties, providing energy and crucial paint protection to support Brondello’s aggressive defensive scheme.