History of Toronto Tempo in Timeline

The Toronto Tempo is a forthcoming Canadian professional basketball team set to join the WNBA in 2026 as part of the Eastern Conference. They will be the first WNBA team based outside the United States and the first in Canada. The team will play their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum. Their inaugural season will coincide with the expansion draft along with the Portland Fire, marking a significant moment for women's basketball in Canada.

May 2023: WNBA Preseason Exhibition Game in Toronto

In May 2023, the WNBA held a preseason exhibition game between the Minnesota Lynx and Chicago Sky at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto. The sellout crowd and accompanying enthusiasm led to speculation on whether the city could host a women's team alongside the existing men's Toronto Raptors.

May 10, 2024: WNBA and Kilmer Group Negotiating for Toronto Franchise

On May 10, 2024, reports emerged that the WNBA and Kilmer Group were negotiating for a Toronto-based expansion franchise.

December 4, 2024: Toronto Tempo Nickname Leaked

On December 4, 2024, the "Toronto Tempo" nickname was accidentally posted to the dropdown menu of the WNBA website. Later that day, the Tempo logo was leaked on SportsLogos.net courtesy of an anonymous WNBA source.

January 2025: Sephora Announced as Founding Partner

In January 2025, the Toronto Tempo team announced its first founding partner, Sephora.

February 2025: Monica Wright Rogers Hired as General Manager

In February 2025, Monica Wright Rogers was hired as the first general manager for the Toronto Tempo.

March 3, 2025: Serena Williams Announced as Joint-Owner

On March 3, 2025, American former professional tennis player Serena Williams was announced as a joint-owner of the Toronto Tempo.

April 2025: CIBC Announced as Founding Partner

In April 2025, the Toronto Tempo announced their founding partnership with Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC).

May 2025: Eli Horowitz Hired as Assistant General Manager

In May 2025, Eli Horowitz was hired as the assistant general manager and senior vice president of basketball strategy for the Toronto Tempo.

August 2025: Regular Season Games to be Played in Vancouver

In August 2025, the Toronto Tempo team announced that during the 2026 season it would play two regular season games at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

September 2025: Regular Season Games to be Played in Montreal

In September 2025, the Toronto Tempo team also announced that an additional two regular season games during the 2026 season would be played at Bell Centre in Montreal.

September 23, 2025: Geoff Molson and France Margaret Bélanger Join Ownership Group

On September 23, 2025, Geoff Molson and France Margaret Bélanger from Groupe CH, the ownership group of the Montreal Canadiens were announced as additional members of the Toronto Tempo's ownership group.

November 4, 2025: Sandy Brondello Hired as Head Coach

On November 4, 2025, the Toronto Tempo announced the hiring of Sandy Brondello as the team’s first Head Coach.

March 2026: Masai Ujiri Joins Ownership Group

In March 2026, former Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri joined the ownership group for the Tempo.

2026: Olaf Lange Appointed Associate Head Coach

In 2026 it was announced that Olaf Lange will be the Associate Head Coach for the Toronto Tempo.

2026: Sadie Edwards Appointed First Assistant Coach

In 2026 it was announced that Sadie Edwards will be the first assistant coach and the Head video coordinator for the Toronto Tempo.

2026: Toronto Tempo Begin Play in 2026

In 2026, the Toronto Tempo are scheduled to begin play in the WNBA as a member of the Eastern Conference. An expansion draft along with the Portland Fire commences. They will play their home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum, and will be the first WNBA team located outside of the United States and the first in Canada.