WNBA Announces New Franchise, Toronto Tempo
“Tip-off 2026.”
Toronto is officially getting its own WNBA team. Following rumors and alleged leaks, the league announced the official name and logo of the franchise for the city of Toronto, which is set to begin playing in 2026. Toronto Tempo is the official WNBA team for the Canadian city.
In a new press release team president Teresa Resch said of the name, “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, and in the energy of the people who call Canada home. 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.” ESPN reported that over 10,000 people participated in the public outreach to name the team.
The log features and italicized “T” that sits in a basketball-esque circle. Six lines appear to come from the left side into the lettering, which is said to represent five players on the court and the fans. Resch said, “Tempo reflects what fans can expect from this team — including, of course, the in-game experience at the arena. The sounds of the court. The beat of the music. The passion of the fans around you and the intensity of the players on the floor. Capturing all that energy, excitement and feeling was crucial as we chose the name for Canada’s WNBA team.”
Toronto Tempo becomes the WNBA’s 14th team following the Golden State Valkyries entry in 2025. This also mark’s Canada’s first WNBA team. The Tempo are owned and operated by the holingds company Kilmer Sports Ventures which also handles the NBA’s Toronto Raptors, NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs and MLS’ Toronto FC.
