WNBA announces the name of its new Canada team

The Women's National Basketball Association, commonly known as the WNBA, has officially announced the name of its new team in Canada, which will be called the Toronto Tempo. This announcement is significant as it marks the introduction of the first-ever WNBA team based outside of the United States. Over 10,000 fans submitted their suggestions for the team name, and the final choice reflects the vibrant spirit of Toronto. Teresa Resch, the president of the team, expressed the meaning behind the name, stating, 'Tempo is pace. It's speed. It's a heartbeat. And it's what you feel when you step into the streets of this city. ' This highlights the connection between the team and the energy of the city it represents. The announcement comes about six months after the WNBA revealed its plans to expand into Canada. This expansion is a part of the league's efforts to grow and reach new audiences. The 2024 WNBA season was the most-watched regular season in over two decades, largely due to the emergence of new stars like Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, who have captured the attention of basketball fans across the country. The name reveal was slightly ahead of schedule, as it was accidentally included in a dropdown menu on the league's website before the official announcement was made. With the addition of the Toronto Tempo, the WNBA now boasts a total of 14 professional teams, and the league aims to expand to 16 teams by 2028. Teresa Resch also shared her vision for the team, saying, 'As Canada's WNBA team, I know the Tempo will set our own pace, move at a championship cadence, and inspire people across this country. ' This statement emphasizes the team's commitment to excellence and its desire to motivate fans and players alike. The logo for the Toronto Tempo has been designed to reflect the team's values. It features a basketball with a prominent 'T' in the center. Extending from the logo's ball are six sharp lines, which symbolize the five players on the court and the sixth player in the game: the fans. Additionally, these lines represent the six boroughs of Toronto, further connecting the team to its community. The Toronto Tempo is set to begin its inaugural season in 2026 at the Coca-Cola Coliseum in Toronto. The team is owned and operated by Kilmer Sports Ventures, with Larry Tanenbaum serving as the chairman. Tanenbaum is also a minority owner and chairman of Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment, which oversees several other Toronto sports franchises, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Toronto Raptors, and Toronto FC. The arrival of the Toronto Tempo is seen as a pivotal moment for women's sports in Canada, especially considering that basketball was invented by a Canadian. This new team is expected to inspire future generations of female athletes and contribute to the growth of women's sports in the country.