The newly announced WNBA expansion team in Toronto will be known as Tempo.
This team is set to start its inaugural season in 2026, making it the league’s 14th franchise and the first outside the United States. Alongside Tempo, another expansion team in Portland will also join the league during the same year.
Teresa Resch, the President of the Tempo, expressed the significance of the name, describing it as a reflection of pace, energy, and the vibrant heartbeat of the city. She stated, “Tempo embodies the spirit felt when stepping onto the streets of Toronto and experiencing the vibrant life of its residents.”
Resch emphasized that as Canada’s representative in the WNBA, Tempo intends to establish a distinct pace, chase championships, and motivate fans across the nation.
The name was selected from an array of submissions from supporters, with contributions coming from across Canada and from 98 different countries. The choice of “Tempo” was intentional, crafted to resonate in both English and French, thereby creating an inclusive identity for the fanbase throughout the country.
Resch noted that numerous exciting options were submitted by fans, with some suggestions creatively aligned with the NBA’s Toronto Raptors. However, some ideas were deemed impractical; for example, one proposed name, Polar Bears, was thought unsuitable due to the summer schedule of the league.
“The entire selection process was an enjoyable experience,” she remarked. “We want to be a team that represents all Canadians.”
The team’s logo features a blend of sharp angles and curves, symbolizing the fast-paced and dynamic nature of basketball. The design includes six lines, which alludes to the five players participating in the game, as well as the sixth key component: the fans themselves.
Prior to the formal announcement, the name “Toronto Tempo” unintentionally surfaced when fans spotted it on a dropdown menu on the league’s website late Tuesday evening, though it was quickly taken down.
Resch remarked on the unplanned publicity saying, “Everything unfolds for a reason. In the world of sports, unpredictability is the norm. We still managed to unveil this name in our desired manner ultimately, even if the timing was unexpected.”
Fan merchandise will soon be available for purchase as the team builds its identity in anticipation of the first season.
Looking forward, Resch mentioned that the team’s priority will be to appoint a general manager.
“This is our next focus,” she highlighted. “Finding a knowledgeable basketball expert will be essential for our growth.”
The Tempo will begin its journey at the 8,000-seat Coca-Cola Coliseum, where it has already received 7,000 season ticket deposits.
While plans for a dedicated practice facility are under consideration, the team will conduct training sessions at the University of Toronto’s Goldring Centre for High Performance Sport until future facilities are established.
