The WNBA Season will welcome two new franchises in 2026, and the Toronto Tempo is already looking to set the tone with a strong roster. The Tempo side did well in the expansion draft, creating a veteran side to compete in its inaugural season.
But that’s not all, the side selected sixth overall pick Kiki Rice, who could be a future for Sandy Brondello’s side. Looking ahead, the franchise has big plans for player development.

Toronto Tempo With State-of-the-Art Performance Center
Earlier in the week, Toronto’s mayor announced a performance center near the Tempo’s home court. While it was a simple announcement to the general public, fans learned the details at the later conference.
GM Monica Wright Rogers said, “This performance center is about building the foundation for sustained excellence. Our players deserve a world-class environment that supports every aspect of their development, and our community deserves access to spaces that inspire the next generation. This facility will be both.”
Canada's team is for everyone. So is our performance centre.
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) April 17, 2026
We've partnered with the City of Toronto to announce plans to develop the team’s first dedicated performance centre in downtown Toronto. The purpose-built facility will serve as not only a high-performance training… pic.twitter.com/ZCSz95ZQAr
“This project represents a powerful opportunity to create not only an exceptional environment for elite athlete development, but a lasting symbol of equity, civic pride, and cultural identity,” says Paul Harrison, design principal for HOK.
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A dedicated performance center is at Exhibition Place, close to the Tempo home court, the Coca Cola Coliseum. The training facility will feature two WNBA regulation courts, amenities, and locker rooms. Regarding player wellness, there will be dedicated sports medicine, sports performance, and recovery areas, as well as expansive player lounges, fuel bars, and a dining area.
As for 2026, the team is ready to challenge a few elites in the league, with its mix of youth and experienced stars.
Toronto Tempo Provides Strong Competition For Playoffs
The Toronto Tempo enters their inaugural 2026 WNBA season with a high-pedigree roster, coached by the esteemed Sandy Brondello, who brought championship experience after leaving the New York Liberty. Formed primarily through an April 2026 expansion draft, the roster prioritizes veteran stability, size, and shooting, featuring key players like Marina Mabrey, Brittney Sykes, and Julie Allemand.
Postcards from Training Camp 💌 pic.twitter.com/WNuqe2heor
— Toronto Tempo (@TempoBasketball) April 19, 2026
Coach Brondello, a two-time champion, aims to establish a high-performance culture immediately, focusing on competitive, versatile players who can build a winning foundation. The team also added young talent through the 2026 draft, including Kiki Rice.
While expansion teams usually struggle, the Tempo’s veteran-heavy roster is designed to be highly competitive, making a serious push to defy expectations and contend for a playoff spot in their first year. Their chances hinge on fast chemistry, but they are built to compete immediately rather than rebuild.









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