After receiving over 10,000 name suggestions, Canada’s first-ever WNBA team has finally unveiled its official moniker – the Toronto Tempo.
“Tempo symbolizes pace, speed, and the heartbeat of the city,” explained Teresa Resch, the team’s president, in a press release.
The announcement comes six months following the WNBA’s decision to expand into Canada, marking the first team outside of the US.
The league’s 2024 season was the most-watched regular season in over 20 years, showcasing rising stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese.
The declassification of the team name happened earlier than planned, unintentionally appearing in a league website dropdown menu.
With the addition of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA now boasts 14 professional teams.
The Toronto franchise is part of the league’s broader expansion strategy, aiming to reach 16 teams by 2028.
Ms. Resch expressed, “As Canada’s WNBA team, the Tempo will set the pace, embody championship qualities, and inspire people nationwide.”
The team’s logo depicts a basketball with a “T” at the center, symbolizing its core values.
The Toronto Tempo will kick off at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in 2026.
Owned by Kilmer Sports Ventures, chaired by Larry Tanenbaum, who is also a part-owner of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, the team joins the ranks of Toronto’s sports franchises.
Basketball’s Canadian roots make the arrival of the Toronto Tempo a pivotal moment for women’s sports in the country.
