The 2026 season had a rough path to the start of the season, with multiple obstacles looking to delay the tipoff. But the league fast-tracked the process and finally had its opening game on May 8. Expansion team, Toronto Tempo, also had a game on the opening night as they welcomed the Washington Mystics at the Coca-Cola Coliseum.
While the other expansion team, the Portland Fire, set a unique record on its opening night, the Toronto Franchise also registered a WNBA record in its very first game in the league.
Toronto Tempo Season Opener Sets Record
Canada’s first-ever WNBA team performed well in the pre-season fixtures with an experienced team looking to make an impact in its very first season. The side became a highlight of the night as most basketball fans tuned in to the local broadcasters for the inaugural regular-season game.
As per the reports, the Toronto Tempo vs Washington Mystics season opener on TSN was the most-watched WNBA regular season game ever in Canada. Live coverage of the Tempo vs. Mystics game reached 1 million Canadian viewers on TSN and CTV2.
Per WNBA Canada, the Toronto Tempo vs Washington Mystics season opener on TSN was the most-watched WNBA regular season game ever in Canada.
— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) May 12, 2026
Live coverage of the Tempo vs. Mystics game reached 1 million Canadian viewers on TSN and CTV2. pic.twitter.com/yTGydB0RZS
Even though the WNBA has broadcasting partners, the franchise also had a local broadcasting contract with Bell Media. The media house will be the official partner for the Toronto Tempo in their inaugural 2026 season, with TSN airing and streaming nearly all games. Select games will also be simulcast on CTV and available on Crave, ensuring comprehensive local coverage for the WNBA’s first Canadian franchise.
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While the Toronto Tempo side did exceedingly well in the expansion draft, the fanbase has high expectations for Sandy Brondello and her players. Fans also packed the arena for the game.
Sandy Brondello Happy With Toronto Tempo Fan Support
The exciting game featured multiple clutch moments in the closing stages, with the Mystics holding on to win 68-65. Marina Mabrey led all scorers with 27 points while Brittney Sykes sank the first-ever basket in franchise and finished with 14 points, in front of the sold-out arena.
“Sad that we didn’t win the game, didn’t close it out, but the fans were fantastic. It was a very ugly game. Hopefully they get way prettier than that as we move forward,” Brondello said in the press conference.
Sandy Brondello’s comments after the Tempo’s home opener:
— chelsea leite (@chelsealeite) May 9, 2026
“Sad that we didn't win the game, didn't close it out, but the fans were fantastic. It was a very ugly game. Hopefully they get way prettier than that as we move forward.”
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The Tempo side will look to maintain the high energy and take positives from the opening loss, with multiple players clicking at the right time.