The WNBA’s bold leap into Canada with the Toronto Tempo isn’t just an expansion—it’s a seismic shift in the landscape of women’s sports. Set to tip off in 2026 as the league’s 14th franchise and first outside the United States, the Tempo represents a watershed moment for basketball, international talent pipelines, and the growing cultural clout of women’s athletics. From Serena Williams’ star-powered ownership to plans for coast-to-coast games across Canada, the Tempo is poised to redefine what it means to be a global sports franchise.
A Historic Franchise Born from Vision and Investment
The Toronto Tempo’s creation is rooted in strategic ambition. Owned by Larry Tanenbaum’s Kilmer Sports Ventures—a group with deep ties to Toronto’s sports ecosystem through the NBA’s Raptors and NHL’s Maple Leafs—the team secured its place in the WNBA with a $50 million expansion fee and a commitment to building a dedicated practice facility . But the franchise’s identity transcends financials. Tennis legend Serena Williams joined the ownership group in 2025, bringing her unparalleled legacy and advocacy for women’s sports to the forefront. Williams’ role extends beyond boardrooms; she’s actively shaping the Tempo’s visual identity, from jersey designs to merchandise collaborations, ensuring the team resonates as a cultural force .
This ownership blend—mixing sports titans like Tanenbaum with global icons like Williams—signals the Tempo’s mission: to merge elite basketball with mainstream appeal. As Teresa Resch, the team’s president, declared, “We’re truly going to be Canada’s team” .
Bridging Borders: The Tempo’s International Blueprint
The Tempo’s arrival amplifies the WNBA’s push for globalization. Commissioner Cathy Engelbert has long eyed international markets to expand the league’s reach, and Toronto’s multicultural fabric offers a gateway to global audiences. The team plans to host regular-season games not only in Toronto but also in Montreal and Vancouver, tapping into Canada’s diverse fanbase and fostering a nationwide following .
Crucially, the Tempo’s roster construction reflects this global vision. The 2026 expansion draft will allow the team to poach players from existing franchises, while the college draft could deliver a franchise cornerstone. Scouts are eyeing prospects like USC’s JuJu Watkins—a dynamic guard recovering from an ACL tear—or LSU’s Flau’jae Johnson, whose dual career as a rapper embodies the modern athlete’s crossover appeal . The Tempo also has a unique opportunity to prioritize Canadian talent, leveraging homegrown stars to deepen local connections. As Darius Taylor, a WNBA strategist, noted: “Anytime you can draft a player recognized as we expand into another country, that’s awesome for the business” .
Economic Ripples and the “Women’s Sports Renaissance”
The Tempo’s launch coincides with a golden age for women’s sports. The WNBA’s 2024 season shattered records, drawing 54 million viewers and tripling merchandise sales, fueled by rookies like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese . Toronto’s entry capitalizes on this momentum, with analysts projecting the franchise to become a $1 billion enterprise within a decade, mirroring the New York Liberty’s trajectory .
Economically, the team is a catalyst. Beyond ticket sales and sponsorships (Sephora Canada is already a founding partner), the Tempo promises to boost local businesses, tourism, and real estate—a trend observed in cities hosting WNBA teams . The franchise also aligns with a broader cultural shift: fans of women’s sports are younger, more engaged, and eager to support inclusive brands. As Resch emphasized, the Tempo’s mission is twofold: “win championships and prove that women’s basketball is an incredible business” .
Cultural Impact: More Than a Game
The Tempo’s significance extends beyond the court. By hosting panels on basketball’s intersection with art, fashion, and social justice, the team is embedding itself into Toronto’s cultural tapestry. Events like “Tempo Live”—a street festival featuring fan activations and community dialogues—reflect a commitment to inclusivity, mirroring the WNBA’s legacy of activism .
This ethos resonates in a city already celebrated for supporting women’s teams, like the PWHL’s Toronto franchise. Brey Johnson, a youth coach at Saturday’s launch event, captured the mood: “Toronto has a good pattern of supporting its women’s teams. If you support women… you’re never going to lose” . For young athletes, the Tempo’s presence is transformative. Girls across Canada now have a homegrown WNBA team to idolize, accelerating the sport’s grassroots growth.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
Despite the optimism, hurdles remain. The Tempo must navigate the complexities of expansion drafts, where existing teams can protect up to six players, limiting available talent . Additionally, the league’s collective bargaining agreement expires after 2025, creating uncertainty around salary caps and free agency rules . Yet, the Tempo’s leadership remains undaunted. With plans to hire a full coaching staff by late 2025 and a focus on drafting versatile players like point guards or power forwards, the franchise is laying the groundwork for long-term success .
A New Era for Global Basketball
The Toronto Tempo isn’t just a team—it’s a harbinger of the WNBA’s future. As the league eyes further expansion into cities like Philadelphia or Portland, the Tempo’s blueprint for blending international talent, community engagement, and savvy ownership will serve as a model. For Canada, the franchise is a source of national pride, a symbol of progress in a country hungry for women’s sports representation.
When the Tempo takes the court in 2026, it won’t just be playing for wins. It’ll be playing for a legacy—one that redefines borders, elevates athletes, and proves that the future of basketball is limitless.
For more on the WNBA’s global expansion and the Tempo’s journey, explore our sources .
