The WNBA is going through some tumultuous times at the moment. With the players demanding equal pay, things are looking extremely grim for the league. As the WNBA failed the CBA deadline thrice, the possibility of a lockout is looming large. However, amidst all the drama, the WNBA recently announced the schedule for 2026.
And a glance at the same will reveal that it will be the Toronto Tempo who will be kicking things off. Scheduled to start on May 8, 2026, the Tempo will have its hands full as it makes its WNBA debut on home court.
Toronto Tempo Looks To Make A Mark As CBA Threat Looms Large
Toronto Tempo has been very active in the offseason. Trying to give the best possible resources for its players, the front office hired Ciara Carl and Brian Lankton as its assistant coaches. And as per the announcement from the WNBA, the team will be playing its first game on the opening day, in front of the home crowd.
Soon after the announcement was made, the official X, formerly known as the Twitter handle of Tempo, had an exciting announcement.
“One for the history books. Canada, it’s our time to play. The Toronto Tempo 2026 inaugural season schedule is here and we couldn’t just drop it, we had to build it. We’ve teamed up with our friends LEGO Canada to create something special,” read the post.
One for the history books. Canada, it’s our time to play. 🏀
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) January 21, 2026
The Toronto Tempo 2026 inaugural season schedule is here and we couldn’t just drop it, we had to build it. We've teamed up with our friends LEGO Canada to create something special.
Sign up at the link in bio to be… pic.twitter.com/AKf8TTAycS
Scroll to continue reading
Trending WNBA News
However, with things looking upbeat, there are still a lot of variables that have to be considered. Till now, there is no news on how exactly the front office is going to tackle the CBA deal. On the contrary, the WNBPA is also adamant in its plea for a larger share of the revenue. Likewise, sharing a similar narrative, coach Sandy Brondello, too, voiced her concerns.
Toronto Tempo HC Sandy Brondello Tensed About Timely Start Of The 2026 WNBA Season
Brondello rejected a lot of coaching offers before she finally accepted Toronto’s. And while she is eager to prove her worth for the new team, Brondello cannot rule out the fact that the CBA drama might be affecting the coming season significantly.
“We don’t know what kind of style [we] want to play. I don’t have any players yet… I know I have a vision of how I want to play. But until that, we just work really hard and prepare the best we can and be ready when it really does happen, because it will happen quick,” Brondello said in a recent interview.
* @cbcsports EXCLUSIVE*
— shireenahmed.bsky.social (@_shireenahmed_) January 21, 2026
Had a sit down chat with @TempoBasketball head coach, Sandy Brondello. We talked building a team (without players!!!) Toronto, her vision is for the franchise, and poutine versus vegemite. https://t.co/8IyGzSMXwp
Thus, with a lot going on, fans will now be eager to find out what’s next.