Toronto Tempo Embarks on WNBA Expansion Journey Amidst Frenetic Pace
The Toronto Tempo, the newest expansion franchise in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA), is navigating a whirlwind of activity as it prepares for its inaugural season. With the team launch accelerating, president Teresa Resch describes the experience as "walking on air," yet acknowledges the immense pressure to assemble a competitive roster in a remarkably short timeframe.
A Race Against Time for Roster Building
The Tempo currently has no players on its roster, with critical milestones looming. An expansion draft is scheduled for early April, followed by the collegiate draft in mid-April, where Toronto may select sixth. However, the most significant challenge arises with free agency commencing around April 7, marking what Resch calls "free agent frenzy on speed dial."
Remarkably, two-thirds of the entire WNBA will be available in free agency, including star players like four-time MVP A'ja Wilson. This unprecedented availability offers the Tempo a unique opportunity to sign top talent, potentially drawing from Canadian banks for the first time in league history.
Learning from Past Expansions and Setting High Expectations
Toronto has witnessed expansion teams before, such as the Blue Jays in 1977 and the Raptors in 1995, but Resch aims for a different trajectory. "We want to be competitive right away," she asserts, highlighting the hiring of championship-winning coach Sandy Brondello and general manager Monica Wright Rogers to ensure immediate impact.
Resch, who previously worked with Masai Ujiri's Toronto Raptors during their 2019 NBA championship run, emphasizes thinking big. "This is not a moment in time, this is a movement," she says, referencing the growing momentum in women's sports. Her experience taught her to pursue ambitious visions, a lesson she applies to the Tempo's launch.
Financial Success and National Ambitions
The team's financial prospects appear promising. Owner Larry Tanenbaum's investment of over $50 million U.S. has already yielded significant returns, with the expansion Golden State Valkyries valued at $500 million and the least valuable WNBA franchise estimated at $165 million. This positions the Tempo as a lucrative venture before even playing a game.
Beyond local appeal, the Tempo aspires to become a national team, being the first WNBA franchise in Canada. Plans include playing games in Vancouver and Montreal, with most home games at Coca-Cola Coliseum and marquee matchups, such as against Indiana and Caitlin Clark in August, at Scotiabank Arena. "There are WNBA fans in Canada," Resch notes, pointing to strong attendance at neutral-site games and the opportunity to build a new fanbase.
Overcoming Logistical Hurdles
The Tempo faces numerous logistical challenges, from understanding the new collective bargaining agreement and expansion draft rules to organizing training camps and securing housing for players. Resch describes the process as exhausting but exhilarating, driven by the goal of creating a team that resonates with the community.
As the frenzy intensifies, Resch remains optimistic about Toronto's sports culture, calling it an "awesome sports city." However, she acknowledges that enthusiasm will be tested once games begin, underscoring the high stakes of this expansion endeavor.
