The WNBA’s schedule declaration created havoc within the organizations, especially within the expansion teams, as they don’t have any players on the roster to work with. The Toronto Tempo HC Sandy Brondello voiced concern over the delayed WNBA 2026 schedule release amid stalled free agency.
The champion coach would be looking to formulate her strategies around the available players and target specific free agents to complete the roster. Even though she doesn’t have any players on the roster right now, there is one particular star who is already inching closer to the franchise.
Toronto Tempo Gets Opportunity To Sign Top Guard
Tempo’s USP is its location and its status as the first WNBA franchise from Canada. With Brondello as its head coach, the Toronto side certainly has an edge in free agency, but the ‘Toronto’ aspect would be a direct connection for the fans and the Canadian-origin players. One such player who showed interest in joining the project is Kia Nurse.
In an interview with Yahoo Sports, the guard said, “I am just really excited about the fact that no matter what happens, whether I’m playing for the Toronto Tempo or I’m playing against the Toronto Tempo, I will be able to play a basketball game on home soil.”
#SarahNurse: “I never thought I would leave Toronto, […] it’s the place I wanted to play forever.” pic.twitter.com/5fKQb8n4CN
— Maya🇵🇸🇱🇧 (@ilyasamsHOEnov) January 19, 2026
She added that she got emotional watching her national jersey in the stands while she was playing an exhibition game in Edmonton. The direct connect would be Toronto Tempo, where the veteran would look to make an impact in front of her ‘native’ home crowd.
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Playing for seven seasons in the league, the former All-Star has ample experience and attributes to lead a team. Averaging around nine points, tw assists, and three rebounds, the player showed her versatility on the floor. But would Brondello approve players based on their nationality?
Toronto Tempo Has Specific Players In Mind
The franchise released its jersey and also filled out its coaching staff to keep itself ready for the season. With that, the team also identified the players they would want on their first-ever roster to set the tone for the franchise.
Franchise president Teresa Resch was excited about revealing the team name and explained, “Tempo is pace. It’s speed. It’s a heartbeat. And it’s what you feel when you step into the streets of this city, and in the energy of the people who call Canada home. As Canada’s WNBA team, I know the Tempo will set our own pace, move at a championship cadence, and inspire people across this country.”
The WNBA's Toronto Tempo tips off in May for its inaugural season, but hasn't signed any players yet 👀
— CBC Sports (@cbcsports) January 21, 2026
Head coach Sandy Brondello says she's focused on "controlling the controllables"
MORE: https://t.co/4hXtfznzgv pic.twitter.com/4h3falBEoE
Given the team’s inclination towards ‘pace’, the side will play a high-octane offensive game. Plus, having Brondello at the helm, they would also attract a few top names from free agency. It will be exciting for fans looking for high-scoring and high-energy games in the WNBA.